Argument and Dispute

Argument and dispute What is an argument?An argument is a struggle of opinions, an exchange of violent words between people who oppose each other.Often an argument starts small, in private. But if the opposing people do not find a solution it can easily escalate and be brought to court. In this case it is called a "quarrel". Arguments and GodOur life is full of arguments and quarrels. They can break out at any time. God created us to live harmoniously. Arguments are a consequence of the fall of man, of the entrance of sin into the world. The Word of God encourages us to do everything possible to live in peace with others (Romans 12:18). This means to seek a solution as soon as possible. Often we don't like to face conflicts, and instead of actively working towards reconciliation we pretend that nothing is going on. But an argument does not go away by itself.Arguments disturb our relationships with others. An argument can prevent me from appreciating or collaborating with the other person. I only see their weaknesses. But an argument can also damage my relationship with God. I am no longer concerned about Him and His will, but about me: I am only interested in being right, in winning the argument! The symptoms- You can tell if an argument is still going on if you find it hard to talk normally with someone. Every time you see each other you reach a point where you - or the other person - raise your voice and you end up shouting at each other.- When you think of the person or persons with whom you have problems you feel bitter or angry.- You are sure that you are the one who is right in the matter. You are not prepared to give in even an inch! The cure for the argument 1. To be able to resolve a conflict you have to know its root cause. It can be, for example, lust or jealousy, pride, a lie, a difference of opinion (more or less serious!), a fit of anger...Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the cause of your argument and to help you remove it if it is another spiritual illness.2. Pray for the courage to make the first move and for the wisdom to know whether to call a mediator or to handle the matter yourself.3. If the other person has hurt you, ask God for the ability to forgive. If you are the one who has done wrong, ask God to help you repair the harm.4. Ask for the strength to give in - even if you are right - so that you can restore the relationship with others (following the example of Abraham, see the Bible reading). Bible readingGenesis 13:1-12: The story of a dispute between Abraham and his nephew LotQuestions for reflection :* Describe the dispute between Abraham and Lot in your own words!* How did Abraham resolve the conflict?* What were the consequences of his choice?* Can Abraham's example here be an example for you to follow? If yes, how? Bible verses to rememberThose who belong to Christ Jesus nailed the evil desires that drove them to the cross. Since the Holy Spirit gives us life, let us be led by that Spirit. Let us not be proud! Let us not quarrel among ourselves! Let us not be jealous of one another! (Galatians 5:24-26)Where do arguments come from? Where do the fights between you come from? Do they not come from the evil desires that struggle in your bodies? (James 4:1)As far as possible, if it depends on you, live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)see also 1 Corinthians 6:7 This argument and dispute brings anger.Anger is a very strong feeling caused by injustice or dissatisfaction. It is not bad in itself. God and angerThe Bible tells us about an angry God. God's anger is the logical consequence of his holiness and love. God is angry at human injustice and sin (Psalm 7:12). God's anger never manifests itself independently of his love. He always expresses his anger for our good. Human angerEveryone experiences anger. It releases a very strong energy in man that he can use for good or for evil. We as human beings with our fallen nature do not have the God’s discernment. What we consider unjust is not necessarily so. That is why it is important not to act on the spur of the moment, but to take the time to calm down and reflect and especially to ask God how to react. Satan often pushes us to react on the spot with threatening words and violent acts. The solution is not to simply do nothing. If we do not deal with the feelings of frustration and anger that a certain event or word has brought up in us, these feelings will grow in our hearts and may erupt more strongly later. The symptoms- Your heart beats harder than normal- Your mouth becomes dry- Your breathing becomes faster- You have no patience with anyone- Every little problem makes you angry- There are some people you find difficult to meet- You have the habit of blaming others - and God! - for what happens to you- You have lost all joy- You are quick to use strong, harsh and abusive words- Sometimes you even hit objects or people.It's good for people to read Bible in this life.