On how to handle disputes... from 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (Good News Bible TEV)
"Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help. But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know they end up in quarrels. The Lord's servant must not quarrel. He must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as he corrects his opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. And then they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, who had caught them and made them obey his will."
Wow, we aren't even supposed to argue with someone we know is wrong. Instead, to be a servant of God we must offer correction with gentleness and patience. Patience, that's a hard one for me. I am mindful though of God's enormous patience with me. There were times when I was lost to the Devil and could not find my way, yet He waited for me patiently to see the truth. I'm so glad.
The next time you encounter someone who seems beyond all hope, remember Paul's instructions to Timothy. To help someone see the truth we must first be truly willing to help them, not turn them away in wrath.
