Daily Devotional – Friday, May 28, 2021
But do this with gentleness and respect…
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
I made his acquaintance through my professional work. Over time, we formed a strong bond. One day, though, our relationship was broken, for unprofessional reasons.
We argued over our respective religious beliefs. Each of us wanted to be right. I would quote a verse; he would respond with another verse to contradict mine, and vice versa. We ended up exchanging angry words. The friendship ended on a sour note.
On reflection, I really regretted my approach. I know he also did because he later reached out to make peace. While Peter advised us to always be ready to vouch for the godly hope in us, he also warned, “But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).
I have witnessed debates between Christians and Muslims where gentleness and respect are absent. A verse is quoted from the Bible. A response is given from the Quran. Both verses are out-of-context.
The debate degenerates into insults and even ugly fights. No one is enlightened. They all leave with their hardline opinions in place, perhaps more hardened.
You cannot change people by criticizing them. You win others to your conviction through persuasive speech and logic. Even when you disagree, leave a window for the discussion to continue next time.
How many souls would we win for Christ if we changed our approach, from condemning others to persuading them with words spoken in love?
In our homes, relationships and workplaces, would we not have greater harmony if we spoke gently and with respect to those we disagree with?
Lord Jesus, help me to be gentle and respectful to those whose beliefs, attitudes and methods I don’t agree with.
Have seen this severally too…have even been in one of them. Indeed it should be done with gentleness and kindness. Eye opener.
Amen, George. It is true. We need to act with wisdom, humility and love when sharing the Gospel with others or even when discussing our beliefs with those who don’t have similar beliefs. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Please come again tomorrow.
This is my prayer too. We should not argue like fools.
We should answer in gentleness to cool the angered heart.
This attracts people to you.
Amen, Pastor. The competition to be right often spoils what would normally be a God-filled and enriching discussion of faith. We need to learn from Jesus to be humble and wise when sharing our faith with others.
Wiw elder this is really a challenge to all of us as adventists many a times when sharing our faith we always want to be seen as the one whom are right ,how i pray that we may be more gentle when speaking with our other non adventist friends .
Well-said, Brian. Sharing the Gospel should not be a competition on who is right or wrong. The Spirit of God should guide our discussions, while we remain gentle and respectful. Actually, we are all learning from the Bible every day.
Brian, this principles applies even in normal relations. If you want to win someone to your side of an argument, you cannot begin by assuming you have superior knowledge or intelligence. People will listen when you show them you care for ad respect them. Thanks for your comment.
Nice
Nice to see you, here, Obasanjo. God bless you for commenting. Keep coming here daily for more. Shalom.
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