I’m not generally a quarrelsome person, until I peruse social media feeds. As I read arguments, name calling, and mocking comments, I find myself drawn in. Quick-witted, I think of snappy responses. Usually I turn away, but not without the temptation to add a few inappropriate comments.

So I find this biblical injunction helpful. Writing to Timothy, a young pastor leading a congregation in difficult circumstances, the Apostle Paul warned: Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.

Is there a more perfect place for foolish, ignorant controversies than social media? Paul wisely advises keeping those platforms at a distance. I post my blog so others might read, but I rarely respond to comments and never debate. The platforms at hand are too fraught with misunderstandings, anger and malice.

While still challenging, face to face interactions create an easier venue for kindness, patience and endurance. I might quarrel, but I find it easier to extend grace when looking at someone versus staring at a screen. Behind the wall of my keyboard it’s easy to get snarky, which I believe goes hand and hand with quarrelsome.

2 Timothy 2:23 & 24

Photo by Lucas Myers