“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 ESV).
This portion of Scripture builds upon a topic discussed earlier in our look at 2 Timothy 2:14: “Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn’t do any good but only destroys those who are listening” (GW).
Author and speaker Greg Koukl offers several insights related to these passages that we can use in engaging those who hold opposing views. These insights can help neutralize potential quarrels and other types of non-productive discussions as we interact with others…
“What Is an Argument? There’s a difference between an argument and a fight. Christians are not to be acrimonious, nasty, or harsh, fighting for the fight’s sake. Paul warns against such quarreling and abuse (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
An argument is not a fight or a quarrel, but a reasoned and principled disputation about matters of fact. Arguments are important, therefore, because they help us discover the facts and find the truth. If you think about it, much of the New Testament consists of arguments in written form–Paul, Peter, and the others arguing for a critical point of truth.
Think of an argument like a simple house, a roof supported by walls. The roof is the conclusion and the walls are the supporting ideas. By testing the walls we can see if they are strong enough to keep the roof from tumbling down. If the walls are solid, the conclusion rests securely on its supporting foundation. If the walls collapse, the roof goes flat and the argument is defeated.
Some arguments are not really arguments at all. Many people try to build their roof right on the ground. Instead of erecting solid walls–the supporting ideas that hold the conclusion up–they simply assert their view and pound the podium.
An argument is different from an assertion, though. An assertion simply states a point. An argument gives supporting reasons why the point should be taken seriously. The reasons, then, become the topic of mutual discussion or analysis. Opinions by themselves are not proof. A mere point of view is not worthy of belief. Belief requires reasons. Roofs are useless when they’re on the ground; they don’t cover anything. In the same way an assertion without evidence doesn’t do any work.” (1)
(1) Gregory Koukl, Ambassador Insights: Representing The King, Copyright 2012 by Gregory Koukl [pg. 30]