Debate or Divisiveness?

I was blessed with being raised in a family that loved debate. We would debate everything from Theology to Politics on daily basis. Strangers may have wondered if we really loved one another or not. These debates were always strong times of the exchange of ideas and concepts. They were not divisive. They were part of growing and learning.

When my soon to be wife first discovered this trait in my family it scared her. Her family could not debate without feelings being hurt. It took her a long time to adjust to this debate prone guy and his family. We debated everything. We debated often. The key was that these debates where only for the purpose of sharpening our thoughts and convictions and increasing our ability to defend what we believe.

Today there is a new form of debating being practiced in some Christian circles. The purpose of this type of debating is not to reinforce but rather divide. One will discover that people are willing to even judge on one's salvation without even knowing the person much less trying to know them.

The Bible does not condone the type of debate that is taking place these days. In fact, some of the strongest language in the Bible is used in describing this type of dividing:

Proverbs 16:19

19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
NKJV

Proverbs 6:16
...Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
NKJV

Proverbs 6:19
...And one who sows discord among brethren.
NKJV

If people desire to build up - great! But to take personal the idea of debating and move to the practice of name calling and judging one's salvation is to fit the above verses to a T. This is not God's plan. His desire is for us to live in love and edification with one another.

We must examine our activity with language and communication. Those who divide are agents of destruction. They are aggressive and they are dangerous. Stay away from them and join the army that builds up and edifies.

I am certain someone will want to debate this!