Have you ever regretted arguing with someone? My life has been scarred many times through word-battles that Paul warns us to avoid. “They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers.” (2 Timothy 2:14) Words spoken cannot be recalled. Ears that hear cannot unhear. Often times those ears are attached to children who then feel they must choose sides. They grow up thinking it’s normal and everyone does it.

But, as followers of Christ, we are called out of the norm to be different. We are instructed to “keep away from godless babbling.” (2 Timothy 2:16) We are often so passionate about our own view of an event that we struggle to back down until we have made our point to the opposition who is trying to do the same thing to us. We’ll interrupt and raise our voices until a shouting match begins. Sometimes a battle of words brings a battle of flesh. “Stay away from stupid and ignorant controversies–you know that they lead to fights, and a slave of the Lord shouldn’t fight.” (2 Timothy 2:23-24)

We are also told to be gentle with everyone. God may be using you to turn someone toward Himself. As we are in the holiday season, we find the stores crowded with anxious people whose patience is exhausted. They may be rude and mean, pushing their way through the crowd. Perhaps they rammed their shopping cart into you. How do you respond? Maybe you were cut off in traffic after a particularly hard day. Regardless of your situation, “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart, pursue righteousness, love and peace.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

Watch today for opportunities to choose peace.