Title

You May Win Arguments, But Not People

Scripture
He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
(Matthew 12:19)
Devotional
Jesus never defended Himself. We never hear Him arguing with anyone. The closest He came to what we may perceive as being argumentative was with the hypocritical Pharisees. They claimed to be subject to God as leaders of the people when they were not. We are to be like Jesus in this regard. We are not called to protest; we are called to be complete witnesses for Christ. This we do by our lifestyles, by our work ethic, and by sharing the hope that we have within us in meekness and with fear.(1) Think about those who have been won to Christ by a quarrelsome presentation. How many have been won? The answer is more than likely none. Oh, we may win arguments, but being quarrelsome never wins people. As hard as it may be, when somebody attacks you verbally, just listen. Answer their questions if they have any, but be slow to let them hear your voice in their streets.

(1) 1 Peter 3:15
Thought For The Night

One example is worth a thousand arguments. Thomas Carlyle, Men of Integrity

 

Evening Text
Matthew 12:19: “He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.”
 
Looking for Answers
 
Evening Study Guide
Definition: Our text defines the meekness of Christ, a meekness that we are to emulate.
 
Reference: “He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish,” Isaiah 42:2-3
 
Application: Do not strive to win arguments; strive to win people.