FIGHTING OVER WORDS

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul, an apostle, wrote:
“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them” (2 Timothy 2:14)
We live in a time that surely needs to stop ‘fighting over words.’ The divide among our population is causing bitter talk and resentful listening. It is no longer ‘just a difference of opinion.’ Now, if one party (religious, political, economic, etc.) disagrees with another, they are an enemy, not just someone with a different viewpoint. Or, if you don’t think and believe as I do…you are my enemy. This is crazy stuff.
Paul adds, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.  Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer” (2 Timothy 2:15-17).
“Foolish talk leads to godless behavior and it spreads like cancer.” It is not the Kingdom way. We do not “need to be ashamed as we carefully and correctly explain the word of truth” (2:15), we also do not need to be a jerk. We cannot only be about what we are against.

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom will not be able to stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Jesus