2 Timothy 2:8-15

“Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.” vs. 14

“Wrangling over words,” the blood sport of theologians, biblical scholars, and religious leaders, has done enormous damage through the centuries. Debates about definitions, translations, and grammar have split congregations and even entire denominations. Heretics have been censured and martyred, crusades launched, and the gospel of grace obscured because humans love to exercise power by excluding and even exterminating their opponents. The stated motivation has often been the purification of the church but the net result has almost always been the undermining of its moral authority. Even today would-be followers of Jesus can be barred from communing with one another because of dogmatic doctrinal definitions and continued wrangling over words. No wonder that the very word “Christian” has such direct connections to hypocrisy and exclusion in our culture. Now it’s true that words are important! And it is fun to consider the nuances of meaning implicit in the word choices that we make. But in the context of gospel proclamation what counts is the impression received by those who are listening. Clever wordsmithing means nothing if people aren’t hearing a message with forgiveness and hope at its core. Differences are inevitable among us, but in Christ they need never be a barrier to unity.

Thought for the Day: Where have I noticed “wrangling over words?”