For a minute you may feel better, but soon you will realize you are looking at him eye-to-eye and you can no longer look down on your opponent--you have sunk to his level and that's embarrassing, right? You're better than that. You should know not to cross swords with an enemy (or a friend) --nobody wins!
And it's even worse to argue with another Christian over some little difference of opinion on an issue you read about in the Bible--the same Bible you both are reading from! You surely know there are parts of the Scripture none of us will fully understand this side of Heaven--table your difference of opinion with your brethren for now. If the question has any future effect for your life, or your friend's, God will make it clear, if and when you need to know!
In a disagreement, you may soon learn that revenge isn't sweet, but a bitter pill to swallow. Next time you give a sharp reply to someone who deserves it, remember now you're no better than the one who offended you. Now it's on! You can no longer rest on your laurels as a harmless, loving Jesus-follower; you are no better than your enemy who offended you. Will you win if you get down in the dirt to battle someone else? Who will win this encounter?
MATTHEW 5:44-45“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
19This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good. But the desire of the treacherous is violence. One who guards his tongue reserves his life. The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:2-3
Romans 12:19, 38-42
Lev. 19:18
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