Titus
3:9-11 (ESV) But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and
quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a
person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have
nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and
sinful; he is self-condemned.
NOTE: So this
passage gives further details on how to handle disruptive brothers. In this
case, the issue is not sin, but rather an argumentative spirit. The required
actions are short, warn once, then twice, then break communication. Paul calls
the person sinful although the actions are in a grey area, "being
disagreeable." On the other side of the coin is the encouragement to be a
person who does not divide but rather unifies. Many people will have different
views regarding certain passages of scripture. It is possible to share a view
that is contrarian without attacking the person. The key is to 1) keep the
focus on scripture, 2) avoid naming groups or opposing persons, 3) do not use
inflammatory language in describing the opposing view if a description is
required, and 4) admit that you do not know everything and could be wrong in
your analysis of the passage. I think if we all were more careful in our
discussions, they would be more fruitful and less likely to divide.
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