Café Chat July 3rd

Today's topic:

When it comes to an issue or truth that you believe in, maybe even feel like God revealed that truth to you; how do you respond to another Christian that might have the opposite view from you? Do you feel like the way you respond lines up with how God would want you to respond?

Over the last few years I have worked to develop a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. I've gone from a "Sunday Christian" to a woman who constantly seeks wisdom and discernment. Like anyone there are times when I stray, but for the most part I can honestly say that the greatest blessing for me today is seeking Him when there is no crisis in my life.

I'm providing that context to clarify how I might believe something I'm saying is "sanctioned." There have been a few times when I have said something that needed to be said - a truth that seemed sanctioned but was not well received. As long as my words were delivered calmly and with love, and as long as I'm able to go back and revisit the discussion with a discerning heart and the words still feel sanctioned, then I feel that I'm lined up with God's desires.

What we should not do, what we must guard against is quarreling with others.

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Timothy 23-26)

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:1-2)

So if God is pressing on my heart and the Spirit moves me to say something, I say what needs to be said. I do my best to speak kindly with the desire to instruct. If the response is disagreement but reasonable discussion, I might spend some time clarifying my point (after a quick prayer for intercession). If the response is flat out disagreement or an emotional argument, I move on.