Engaging in arguments with those who don’t share your faith can be tricky. The Bible encourages believers to share their faith with gentleness and respect, avoiding unnecessary quarrels. Let’s explore what scripture says about handling discussions with unbelievers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Arguing With Unbelievers
2 Timothy 2:23-25
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
This verse reminds us to avoid engaging in pointless arguments that lead to quarrels. Instead, as followers of Christ, we should strive to be kind and patient, gently instructing those who oppose us with the hope that they might come to know the truth and repent.
Proverbs 26:4
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”
This verse advises us not to respond to foolish arguments, as doing so can draw us into their folly and make us resemble them. It serves as a cautionary reminder to guard our words and respond wisely to avoid being entangled in futile disputes.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
This verse encourages us to respond with grace and non-violence when faced with opposition from unbelievers. Instead of arguing or seeking revenge, we are called to demonstrate love and forgiveness, seeking peace and reconciliation even in the face of mistreatment.
1 Peter 3:15-16
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being ready to share our faith when confronted by unbelievers, but it stresses that we should do so with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience. Our behavior and words should be a testimony of Christ’s love, with the hope of causing those who oppose us to reflect on their own actions and attitudes.
Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
This verse urges believers to steer clear of pointless debates and controversies that do not contribute to personal growth or furthering the Kingdom of God. Rather than engaging in fruitless arguments, we are encouraged to invest our time and energy in pursuits that align with God’s purposes.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
These verses urge us to reject the temptation to respond to arguments and conflicts with negativity or vengeance. Instead, we are called to live in a way that honors God and promotes peace, doing our best to maintain harmonious relationships and seeking reconciliation whenever possible.
1 Corinthians 6:1-7
“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
These verses remind us that it is unwise for believers to take disputes to secular courts or seek the judgment of unbelievers. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to resolve conflicts among ourselves and demonstrate unity and love, even if it means accepting personal loss or injustice for the sake of maintaining harmony within the faith community.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to conflict with patience and a gentle spirit. By choosing our words carefully and responding calmly, we can diffuse tension and promote reconciliation, rather than escalating the situation through harsh or contentious language.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse instructs us to communicate with unbelievers in a way that is filled with grace, kindness, and wisdom. By seasoning our words with the love of Christ, we can effectively engage in conversations and respond to arguments with humility and respect, reflecting the character of Jesus.
Philippians 2:14-16
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
These verses encourage us to avoid complaining and arguing, recognizing that such behavior tarnishes our witness as children of God. Instead, we are called to live blamelessly and shine as lights in a dark world, holding fast to the truth of God’s Word and demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel through our words and actions.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
These verses remind us of the importance of practicing active listening, exercising restraint in our speech, and avoiding quick-tempered reactions. By embodying these qualities, we can foster understanding and peace, cultivating an atmosphere conducive to meaningful dialogue with unbelievers.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse encourages us to avoid sowing the seeds of contention and to choose peace over engaging in unnecessary disputes. By letting go of arguments and conflicts before they escalate, we can preserve relationships and create space for the work of reconciliation and understanding.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
These verses challenge us to approach disagreements with patience and empathy, seeking to understand the root causes of opposing views and offering gentle guidance and encouragement. By demonstrating patience and understanding, we can foster a spirit of unity and restoration among believers and non-believers alike.
Romans 14:1
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This verse reminds us to embrace those whose faith is less mature and refrain from engaging in arguments over non-essential doctrines or personal convictions. Instead, we are called to demonstrate acceptance, understanding, and love, focusing on the core truths of the gospel that unite us as believers.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This verse emphasizes the value of patience and self-control in our interactions with unbelievers. By cultivating a spirit of patience, we can gain deeper insight into their perspectives and respond with wisdom, avoiding hasty and unproductive arguments.
1 Timothy 2:8
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
These verses highlight the importance of maintaining a heart free from anger and argumentation while engaging in prayer. By approaching God with a spirit of peace and unity, we can align our hearts with His purposes and seek His guidance when faced with disagreements.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse underscores the wisdom and honor in avoiding unnecessary disputes and quarrels. Rather than being quick to engage in arguments, we are encouraged to pursue peace and harmony, allowing our actions and attitudes to reflect the character of Christ.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words, ensuring that they are edifying and beneficial to those who hear them. When engaging in discussions or arguments with unbelievers, we should strive to speak with love and encouragement, seeking to build bridges and foster understanding rather than tearing others down.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
These verses remind us of the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives as followers of Christ. When engaging with unbelievers, we should exhibit the qualities of love, peace, kindness, and self-control, allowing the Spirit to guide our interactions and represent Christ’s character with humility and grace.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising restraint and wisdom in our speech. By being mindful of the words we use during arguments or discussions, we can prevent unnecessary harm and maintain healthier relationships with unbelievers, fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
These verses challenge us to let go of negative and harmful behaviors, including anger, slander, and offensive language. By purifying our speech and attitudes, we can create a more positive and Christ-honoring environment when engaging in conversations with unbelievers.
Proverbs 18:2
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
This verse warns against the folly of unyielding stubbornness and the desire to assert one’s own opinions at the expense of understanding others. When dealing with unbelievers, it is essential to approach discussions with a willingness to listen, learn, and genuinely understand their perspectives, promoting healthy dialogue and fostering mutual respect.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.”
These verses provide a description of heavenly wisdom, highlighting its qualities of purity, peace, consideration, humility, mercy, and sincerity. By seeking and embodying God’s wisdom, we can navigate disagreements and arguments in a manner that promotes understanding, reconciliation, and the well-being of all parties involved.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the power of our words in either fueling or extinguishing arguments and conflicts. Rather than spreading gossip or adding fuel to the fire, we should seek to calm tensions and promote reconciliation, allowing disagreements to fade away peacefully.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
These verses call for unity among believers, emphasizing the importance of avoiding divisions and promoting harmony. When engaging with unbelievers, we should strive to present a united front, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ in a way that reflects our shared faith.
Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
This verse encourages us to refrain from speaking ill of others, to prioritize peace and consideration, and to exhibit gentleness in all our interactions. When engaging with unbelievers, these attributes allow us to build bridges, create connections, and facilitate meaningful conversations rooted in love and respect.