Relationships 101
Foolish Controversies

Scripture Reading: Titus 3:7-11

Key Verse: Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Nothing makes an attractive relationship go ugly quicker than arguments. Sometimes disagreements are necessary and unavoidable. Sometimes our arguments are over foolish controversies that mean nothing at the end of the day. To maintain attractive relationships, we must be able to discern the difference between essential and necessary debates and the foolish ones.

Solid relationships are built on intentional effort by those involved with the relationship. In today’s scripture the Apostle Paul writes that we must intentionally put forth much effort to avoid foolish controversies and arguments. He also mentions “genealogies” which, I believe, indicates a foolish argument over one’s background or status in society. Possibly the apostle had witnessed arguments over whether a person was from a strong Jewish heritage or defending their non-Jewish status. No matter, all foolish “controversies, genealogies and arguments” destroy attractive relationships.

Most of us already know, or will soon learn, what subjects are “controversial” and which are “safe” in our particular relationships. One of the apostle’s prayers, found in Philippians 1:9-11, instructs us to pray for discernment in our lives. God wants to help us in this area of “choosing our battles.” Some discussions—even about theology—are not beneficial to certain relationships. Ask God to give you a discerning mind that you might enjoy attractive relationships.

Father, check my heart when I start to talk if my words will hurt more than help the person I’m talking to. In Jesus’ Name, amen.