Today in the One Year Bible, we read from 1 Timothy 6:1-21. Paul tells us not to get into arguments about words, but to love everyone with kindness and gentleness.
Does that remind you of social media? You've probably found that most arguments eventually boil down to an argument about what words mean. If we approach each other with respect, gently and kindly giving our interlocutor the benefit of the doubt, we will probably find that the words we're using aren't worth the argument we've found ourselves in.
It also means that dictionaries are very useful. Because they literally allow us to get on the same page. And when we get on the same page, when we agree on the terms and understand the point of view of the person we're arguing with... well, we usually find that our argument dissolves and we understand one another.
God, help us to love, and not get caught up in arguments about words.
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