Topic: Keep Listening and Loving – Daily Devotional by Proverbs 31 Ministries 20 January 2025
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Keep Listening and Loving
January 20, 2025
“And Paul entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures …” Acts 17:2 (AMP)
The dinner conversation with friends took an unexpected turn. What started out as “please pass the bread” became a back-and-forth of political opinions. The line in the sand was drawn — my friend was on one side, and I was on the other.
“Don’t talk about politics or religion.” No matter how old we are, it’s something we’ve all heard. Over the years, other topics have been considered “off the table” too.
Is it wrong to disagree with other people? Not at all. God gave us minds so we can think for ourselves. Throughout history, some disagreements have resulted in much-needed change. But more often, especially online, it seems they now just lead to unfriending and canceling. Disagreements can become divisions. Instead of dialogues, we have monologues. We have forgotten how to disagree respectfully.
In Acts 17:2, when Paul visited Thessalonica, he “entered the synagogue, as was his custom, and for three Sabbaths he engaged in discussion and friendly debate with them from the Scriptures.”
Paul, a Pharisee turned Jesus follower, probably knew the Mosaic Law better than anyone. He could have run circles around the Jewish leaders with his words. Instead, he chose to reason with them in “discussion and friendly debate.” According to HELPS Word Studies, the Greek wording here indicates “giving and receiving information … to reach deeper understanding.”
Long after elections, viruses or other hot topics are over, there will continue to be things we disagree about — ideologies and beliefs where we find ourselves on one side or the other. Even while we, as Christians, can all agree on the gospel Truth, and we believe God’s Word is the source of that Truth that always prevails, some biblical passages can be interpreted differently. And if we’re being honest, whatever side we’re on, it’s human nature to believe we’re right.
In these discussions, we can go in waving the flag of “I know I’m right” and then proceed to run people over with our opinions. Or we can change our approach to, “I think I’m right, but I’m also here to listen.” When we open ourselves up, it can change the conversation. It is beneficial not only to make statements but to ask questions. We can do what James 1:19 instructs: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (NLT). We may not find agreement, but we can reach some level of understanding with the other person and possibly learn something new along the way!
When the right time comes to express ourselves, let’s remember this: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, NLT).
Keep listening. Keep loving.
Dear Father, help me to have Your heart when I’m in difficult conversations. May I be an instrument of Your love and peace at all times. Please give me Your wisdom so I may speak only what You want me to say. Help me learn to listen better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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