Titus 2:1-3:15
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning… (vv. 3:9-10) I have been in many small group discussions and Bible studies. Occasionally these groups have included some people who were strongly antagonistic toward the Catholic Church, for whatever reason. Having been raised Catholic and feeling that I had gained substantially from that background, there were times when I felt it necessary to defend that Church or its teachings. Mostly these “antagonists” would back off a bit, but not always – sometimes coming back in a really argumentative fashion. And with that I would have to be the one to back off, not wanting to engage this divisive (factious) person on that topic. Paul offers good advice in those verses cited above – our Bible study groups and discussions should be about learning and building up the body. It’s OK to disagree – we’ve learned that in our Men’s Group discussions – but that disagreement needs to be gentle. There is much that I have learned when someone offers a second opinion to something I have said – when it’s offered gently!
See also: October 3 / Titus 2:1-10; October 4 / Titus 2:11-15; October 5 / Titus 3:1-8; October 6 / Titus 3:9-15