Debate.
I was thinking about the word debate yesterday because, duh, you know, that little thing that happened last night. Anyway, this is not about that. I’m not going there quite yet.
DEBATE: to engage in an argument or discussion, involving opposing viewpoints.
Every day, we have a choice of whether or not to engage in debate.
Oh, believe me, I used to love a good debate. I’m extremely passionate on some of the things I believe in.
But.
I’ve learned that engaging in debate often steals my peace.
I’ve learned that there is a time to speak up with truth, but more often than not, trying to understand someone else’s point of view and honor who they are even if we don’t agree, is a better way.
I’ve also learned that I can step into low level discussions that involve opinions, spin, gossip, arguments…and that, when I do, whether I instigated it or someone else did, I leave that discussion feeling gross. I don’t like it. I can literally feel the peace leave.
We must learn to go up higher to discern what God is saying about the matter, look at the situation from the vantage point of heaven, and focus on God’s heart for it instead of our own.
That’s a better way.
xox.eb
Amen!
I've gotten better about this on issues and audiences with a large scope. At home, with the kids, not so much. And truly, that's the level where stolen peace really matters to me.