The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.
When one considers the bad feeling and the unpleasantness caused by contention, it is well to ask, “Why do I participate?”
Any Church member not obedient to the leaders of this Church will not have the opportunity to be obedient to the promptings of the Lord.
Don't ever allow yourself to be offended by someone who is learning his job.
Certain people and organizations are trying to provoke us into contention with slander, innuendos, and improper classifications. How unwise we are in today’s society to allow ourselves to become irritated, dismayed, or offended because others seem to enjoy the role of misstating our position or involvement. Our principles or standards will not be less than they are because of the statements of the contentious. Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on the moral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. Contention builds walls and puts up barriers.
Ours is to conscientiously avoid being abrasive in our presentations and declarations.
In place of arguments and friction between family members, ours is to build, listen, and reason together.
The family as an institution today is beset on all sides. Conflicts within the family are critical and often damaging. Contention puts heavy strain on stability, strength, peace, and unity in the home. There is certainly not time for contention in building a strong family.
When issues are in contradiction to the laws of God, the Church must take a stand and state its position. We have done this in the past and will continue to do so in the future when basic moral principles are attacked. There are those in our society who would promote misconduct and immoral programs for financial gain and popularity. When others disagree with our stand we should not argue, retaliate in kind, or contend with them. We can maintain proper relationships and avoid the frustrations of strife if we wisely apply our time and energies.
We must not be manipulated or enraged by those who subtly foster contention over issues of the day.
Our principles or standards will not be less than they are because of the statements of the contentious. Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts.
Some misunderstand the realm, scope, and dangers of contention. Too many of us are inclined to declare, “Who, me? I am not contentious, and I’ll fight anyone who says I am.”
There are still those among us who would rather lose a friend than an argument. How important it is to know how to disagree without being disagreeable.
As we take a stand against the evils of the day, such as abortion, homosexuality, immorality, alcohol, drugs, dishonesty, intolerance, etc., can we express our beliefs without clenching our fists, raising our voices, and promoting contention?
Don’t allow emotions to take over; rather, reason together.
Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation.
There is no time for contention. We must have the will and discipline in our daily lives to fight contention.
Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice.
The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.