Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
2 Timothy 2:14 NIV
As Christians, we are called to be of one heart, mind, spirit, and love. To be brothers and sisters, one body in Christ. But one does not have to look far to see that this ideal has not been met in the church. At least not across the church as a whole. And sometimes not even within local assemblies of believers. Why is that?
I think this verse answers that, at least in part. Quarreling about words. Does it ever really accomplish anything? Sometimes it is necessary when defending the faith against heresy. But more often, it seems to accomplish little beyond dividing us into distinct camps. Camps that fight over what a word means, or over the correct understanding of something that is not clear in Scripture. And oftentimes, the argument is over something that is really pretty insignificant.
Paul goes on to tell us to work for God’s approval by handling the word of God correctly. Treat it faithfully as it really is: the inspired word of God. We should seek to understand the word of God correctly. Talk about it with others. Read the thoughts of others. And, most of all, allow the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding.
But when you find yourself arguing about words or Scriptural interpretation, you should probably just walk away. I know that, for myself, when arguing begins, listening and learning end. Stop the argument before division occurs.
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