Encouragement for Today

January 20, 2025 Keep Listening and Loving ANITHA ABRAHAM Lee en español

“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.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

When someone hurts us, our hearts can hold so tightly to wanting to see justice. In the midst of this, we can begin to grow skeptical of what God will allow next. It's hard to be honest about these feelings, but it's important to talk about them. That's why Lysa TerKeurst and her friend Anna Mae Groves are creating a space for this conversation on YouTube. Start listening to “When the Person Who Hurt You Wasn’t Held Accountable” here!

To help you engage in God’s Word every day, pick up a copy of Quest for More: A One Year Devotional Through the Bible, co-written by today’s devotion writer, Anitha Abraham.

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While it feels easier to avoid tough conversations, it's not always what's best. Initiating a hard conversation with someone, and figuring out how to do it without deeply hurting that person or the relationship, can be the most difficult part of the process. We created a free guide to give you some practical and biblical steps for having challenging conversations with the people you love. Get yours here!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 3:7, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (NLT).

What’s one thing you can do to maintain peace when a conversation becomes divisive? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Anitha Abraham. All rights reserved.

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