Refusing to Quarrel
Ed Whittlesey
Without a doubt, quarreling and arguing in our
evangelistic efforts today will have a negative
impact or result. Not only does it affect our
credibility as an advocate and teacher of God’s
word, but it can potentially turn away a soul that is
lost. Furthermore, such actions are not supported
by scripture. The Bible shows the sincere, humble
Christian is genuinely concerned for the lost soul
at stake, and as a result will let the living word of
God, which is active and sharper than any twoedged
sword (Heb. 4:12), pierce the individual’s
heart. So then, let’s further consider some suggestions
based on scripture which will help us to
avoid quarreling in our endeavor to spread the
gospel.
We must remember that our primary duty regarding
evangelism is to simply plant the seed (1
Cor. 3:6). God will handle the rest, including the
piercing and conviction of the heart which will bring
about necessary repentance, confession and baptism.
He will provide the increase. When Jesus
commissioned the apostles what did he say? “Go
into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature” (Mark 16:15). Allowing a quarrel or
argument into a Bible study or religious discussion
only corrupts the soil in which the seed is being
implanted. It is our responsibility to present and
accurately handle the word of truth so that we can
be workmen approved of by God (2 Tim. 2:15). It
is also our responsibility to prevent distractions,
such as those caused by quarreling, from interfering
with the planting of the seed (God’s word.)
The fact remains that throughout our evangelistic
efforts some people will disagree and revert
to arguing as a means to make their viewpoint
known (1 Tim. 6:3-5). As children of God how
should we handle this type of circumstance? Flat
out refusing to quarrel would be the best solution,
but we can certainly squelch such from occurring
by maintaining and exhibiting a loving heart and a
spirit of gentleness and humility. Remember,
without the love and grace of God, we too would be
lost. The love of the Father which Jesus had
experienced was such that He wanted to share it
with others (John 15:9; 17:26). We should share
the same love with those who oppose us in our
efforts to share the gospel with them. In fact, Paul
instructs Timothy to correct those who are in
opposition with gentleness (NASB) and humility
(NKJV) in 2 Tim. 2:25. We will likely not convince
an individual they are wrong if we first make them
angry or “wrangle about words.” Paul says such
action is useless and leads to the ruin of hearers
(2 Tim. 2:14). Solomon speaks to this as well,
saying “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a
harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise
uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools
pours forth foolishness,” Prov. 15:1-2.
Considering the end results of quarreling will
help us to see its ineffectiveness. Think about it:
what good and positive result comes from arguing
with others about the gospel, and are we furthering
the cause of Christ by doing so? Does the person
we are studying with see Christ in us when we
degenerate to such tactics? Paul exhorts Timothy
to press upon the hearts of others to “avoid worldly
and empty chatter,” because it will “lead to further
ungodliness” (2 Tim. 2:16). He goes on to point out
in 2 Tim. 2:23 that foolish and ignorant speculations
result in quarrels, and continues to say the
child of God must not be quarrelsome in verse 24.
We are to simply refuse and avoid any kind of talk
or behavior which causes harsh contention. These
are very plain and simple exhortations - turn away
from quarreling, have nothing to do with it, and do
not take part in it.
Our evangelistic efforts will be most successful
when the focus is on spreading the word to lost
souls in a loving, gentle, humble and patient manner.
God’s powerful word will firmly root itself in the
heart of those who are willing to receive it, thereby
convicting them to act upon it and to obey and
remain faithful to it. Nowhere in this process is
there room for quarreling and arguing about the
word. Instead we’re admonished to steer clear of
such behavior. Why? Because the gospel is
mighty and authoritative - it alone will pierce the
heart of wayward souls and demand their subjection.
“For the gospel is the power of God, and will
bring about salvation to anyone who believes”
(Rom. 1:16). Our responsibility is to simply communicate
and share it with others.