I Love You Too Much
These conversations are neither helpful or enjoyable!
Reference: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” 2 Timothy 2:23 NIV
Explore: One of my boys thinks he knows everything already at the age of eight. In fact, I’m pretty sure he had the whole world sorted at five!
This leads to quite a few interesting conversations. When he states an opinion as fact, it’s hard not to correct him all the time. This just leads to a whole conversation of “yes it is”, “no it isn’t”, “yes it is”, “no it isn’t”…
These conversations are neither helpful or enjoyable!
My sister taught me a really important statement that circumvents these frustrating discussions… “I love you too much to argue.”
In this one statement it says numerous things. It tells the person you love them and it acknowledges you are in disagreement without someone having to give in to keep the peace. I’m not sure how it would work on an adult but it has certainly been helpful with our argumentative child.
Application: Words can be very powerful. God was and is well aware of this as He brings it up a great deal in the Bible.
Paul reminds us not to enter into arguments as it can lead to worse behaviour. When you believe in something strongly it is difficult not to state your point firmly.
I think the key here is not engaging in “foolish arguments”. Often our disagreements begin with things that are not even important.
My husband and I have had some terrific arguments. If you were to ask me now what they were about I wouldn’t be able to tell you!
Be mindful of what you are firm on and approach each conversation with love and respect. It’s much easier said than done!
Prayer: Lord, hold my tongue and guard my heart when foolish arguments come my way. Amen.
What techniques do you have to stop foolish arguments from taking hold?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.