How Should a Christian Deal With Family Members Arguing About Politics?
It was Benjamin Franklin who once said, "In the course of my observation, the disputing, contradicting, and refuting people are generally unfortunate in their diplomacy. They get victory sometimes, but they never get good will, which would be of more apply to them."
His observations make sense in light of the many relationships existence destroyed through stubborn disagreements and irreconcilable differences. It's lamentable to witness entire families divided when the Bible gives us clear direction on ways to disagree with our loved ones without letting those disagreements destroy our relationships.
There'due south a powerful passage of Scripture in James three:17-18 that says, "Simply the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." It's the wisdom found in these verses that give u.s.a. guidance on how to navigate disagreements without letting them get blown out of proportion.
I pray these biblical attributes will give you a new perspective in dealing with loved ones who aren't on the same folio equally you. I pray that they will help you diffuse ongoing arguments and dissensions within your family unit. Virtually of all, I pray that you volition have peace and unity in all of your relationships moving forward.
1. Be Peace-Loving
In that location are those who honey peace and those who beloved to fight. Only for Christians, having a combative spirit doesn't bring the unity that God desires. Fifty-fifty when you disagree with family members, try to be peaceful about it. Purpose to exist someone who is kind, gentle, and peace-loving as the Bible instructs:
" Blest are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace past those who brand peace." James three:xviii
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will exist with yous." 2 Corinthians 3:11
Being a peacemaker doesn't mean yous compromise God's truth. It does, still, mean yous keep love front end-and-center. When you love others despite their opinions and behavior, you're promoting a sense of peace that cannot hands exist overturned. Y'all tin can disagree with family and still keep the bond of peace in Jesus' name.
Let's pray. Gracious God, please help me exist a peace-maker co-ordinate to Your word. Instead of having an argumentative nature, help me seek peace and unity within my family unit relationships. Forgive me for beingness combative and stubborn at times. I seek heavenly wisdom today by loving peace and seeking to exist peaceful with everyone. In Jesus' name, amen.
More resource that promote peace:
4 Steps to Existence a Peace Maker
What Does "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Mean in Matthew v:9?
The Peacemakers
2. Be Considerate
Listening well, speaking calmly, responding instead of reacting…these are all biblical ways of showing consideration to someone you lot disagree with. In contrast, harsh words that attack, cut people downwards, or display rudeness never bring resolution to the argument. Be considerate of family members who disagree with yous. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand why they believe what they believe.
Chances are, when you remain kind and considerate, you'll diffuse arguments instead of igniting them. And hopefully, yous'll exist seen as a "safe" person that loved ones can turn to in times of need.
The Bible says this about being considerate:
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, just in humility count others more pregnant than yourselves. Let each of you await not only to his own interests, just too to the interests of others." Philippians two:3-4
"Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people." Titus three:2
"So in everything, practise to others what you would have them practise to you, for this sums up the Constabulary and the Prophets." Matthew seven:12
Being considerate isn't difficult when we focus on doing unto others what we would have them practise unto us. This Golden Rule is a beautiful rule to follow—especially when nosotros disagree. Don't allow a lack of consideration destroy your relationships.
Permit's pray. Heavenly Father, assistance us develop a eye of consideration for others and live by the Golden Rule. Remind the states to treat our loved ones as we would like to exist treated. Evidence the states how to be considerate even when nosotros don't feel similar it. In Jesus' name, amen.
More resources to help y'all be considerate:
Exist Considerate
seven Attributes of the Considerate Christian
3. Be Submissive
Submission has go a negative word in our order, merely it'due south a positive activeness in the Scriptures. As mentioned in Ephesians v:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Rather than trying to be correct all the time, why non agree to disagree with a heart of grace and submission? This doesn't mean you submit to false behavior or ideas that oppose the Bible, only instead, you submit to stopping unfruitful arguments before they destroy your relationships. Submission isn't a sign of weakness, just instead, a portrayal of great strength. Even if the other person views it as cowardly or weak, God views it as peace-loving and wise.
The Bible shows us how to be submissive in these passages:
"As well, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward i another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" 1 Peter 5:5
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an business relationship. Let them practise this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17
Commit to being submissive to those who oppose yous, stating the truth then letting God work. Allow the Holy Spirit to move by submitting to others out of reverence for Christ.
Let's pray. Holy God, help us to be submissive in order to evidence others humility. Prevent us from fueling arguments from a place of resistance, and instead, let submission to show our loved ones that nosotros are committed to You. In Jesus' proper noun, amen.
More resources for submission:
Submitting to One Another
What You Need to Know about the Meaning of Submission in the Bible
iv. Exist Filled with Mercy
Showing mercy to others can move mountains in relationships. Mercy dissolves arguments and speaks volumes to the receiver. It offers an extended hand of warmth and camaraderie even in the worst of disagreements. Instead of judging or criticizing your loved ones, try offering a chip of mercy, even when it's difficult. It will be one of the quickest ways to stop a heated statement and bring unity.
The Bible is total of encouragement to be merciful:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and dear, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Colossians three:12
"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James two:13
"He has shown you, O human being, what is good. And what does the Lord require of y'all? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
As you are filled with God'due south mercy, let it overflow to others. In your family unit disagreements, decide to remain peace-loving, considerate, submissive, and full of mercy. Y'all'll not only keep your relationships intact, only you lot'll also be better equipped to witness to those who aren't walking with the Lord.
Let'south pray. Merciful God, evidence the states how to offer mercy to those who oppose us. Instead of continuing to argue, help us take a stride back and realize that mercy triumphs over every disagreement. Most of all, assist united states go along the unity of peace for the sake of Your name. Amen.
Related Resources: Listen to our Gratuitous podcast, Faith Over Fear ! You lot can find all of our episodes on LifeAudio.com . Listen below to our latest episode on anxiety:
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Source: https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/how-to-disagree-with-family-without-destroying-relationships.html
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