(prayer at 16:00 and message begins 31:30)

Why do we overlook ‘infractions’ in our daily life of interacting with each other? It’s perfectly normal to have opinions, ideas, beliefs, plans and purposes that may very well not be in agreement with others. Why don’t we as a people follow civility when ‘sides’ disagree? Should not our competitive passion be subject to rules for interacting with others? Who is referring our civil discourse?

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. While God is watching, warn them not to argue about words. That doesn’t have any value. It only destroys those who listen. Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. Teach the message of truth correctly. Stay away from godless chatter. Those who take part in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like a deadly sickness.”  2 Timothy 2:14-17  NIVR

Being People of the Word, we are in obedience to the Lord when we monitor our own communication, when we follow His rules for disagreeing. Ignoring them has major consequences. Our words and conversations come from how we think. Guard against inaccurate thinking, closed thinking, arrogant thinking, evil thinking. Watch, be alert, be God’s people of integrity.

Don’t have anything to do with arguing. It is dumb and foolish. You know it only leads to fights.  Anyone who serves the Lord must not be hard to get along with. Instead, they must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach. The one who serves must not hold anything against anyone.  They must gently teach those who are against them. Maybe God will give a change of heart to those who are against you. That will lead them to know the truth. ”   2 Timothy 2:23-25 NIVR

Prayer:  God hears: When He seeks and watches our actions, He responds.