They’re Arguing Again

You can stop taking sides and instead do what I did...

Author

Steven Pawley
November 01, 2025

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Anywhere else would have been better than between two people I respected whose disagreement was deepening. I didn’t know who to believe, both made strong arguments.

I was a young Christian and the more they argued the less cut and dry things appeared.

Back then, I felt like I needed to take a side.

So, whose side do you take when compelling arguments are made during a disagreement over beliefs, behaviors, or how Christians “ought to be”? You know, over what’s “biblical.”

After 30 years, I don’t take sides. I don’t have to, and you don’t either.

In the church in Corinth, what was “biblical” was turning into a brawl. People were taking sides, and it was making matters worse (1 Cor. 1:10-12).

Until Christ returns there’s going to be doctrinal and denominational disputes, drama, and division. I’m sure of it. But Paul just pointed them to Christ (v. 13). Good place to start!

There have been times while listening to an argument that one insight changed my mind about who was speaking truth and who was just trying to win. And it can flip fast!

Arguing people say some unreliable stuff, right? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Human reason is faulty, so Paul also pointed to God’s revelation (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

As you get to know God’s word better it becomes a filter for reasonings and rationalizing (Isa. 55:8-9). You need God’s mind on the matter, not the mind of men.

But to be honest, quoting verses is never enough. We need to know the God of the word. That in part is why I think Paul pointed to Jesus. Our disposition influences our position.

Thankfully, what God revealed, He also recorded (v. 11-13). He knew we’d need more than the word, so He also gave us His Spirit. Ask Him for guidance (Eph. 1:17, John 16:13).

But if you don’t have God’s Spirit in you, what He says will seem foolish. God’s will is revealed by His word and His word is illuminated by His Spirit (v. 14-16). You need both.

The next time you hear an argument (or have one), let God put some light on the subject. Who’s angry? Antagonistic? Arrogant? Or quick to abandon grace to gain advantage?

I’ve learned that what is proclaimed as “biblical” or “cut and dry” may just be tradition, rigidity or ignorance. And one insight can change your mind about “what’s biblical”.

You might be surprised that you see things differently when you stop taking sides and get God’s mind on the matter. He gave it to you for “good reason”.

Put on the mind of Christ and you’ll think differently about what’s truly “biblical”. And even if you don’t, He’ll help you have the right disposition while you argue your strong position.

Check out the GO DEEPER section for a few more thoughts and Scriptures if you’d like to bake this in a little more. As always, hit reply and let me know your thoughts.

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If You Would Like to GO DEEPER with Today’s Message:

When placed in a position of “taking a side” ask yourself:

Col. 4:6. Before I share my position, is my disposition regulated by God’s word?

Pro. 17:27-28. “Why do I need to choose?” What if I choose to not take a side but listen and learn instead? Form your opinions slowly, the Bible is a big book.

Pro. 15:28. Give yourself plenty of time to answer. Those arguing may want your opinion, or vote of confidence but God wants you to be careful and better equipped (Pro. 18:13).

Pro. 18:17. The loudest or strongest debater may not be correct. Take lots of time to consider the arguments given and the ones they left out (Deut. 19:18).

Pro. 26:4-5. It takes experience to know when to answer the fool and when to make sure you don’t become one. The fool must win the argument even as better evidence is revealed. The wise want truth to win even if that means changing their strongest opinions.

John 7:24. These are strong words from Jesus. It will help you keep your opinions a little longer before sharing them – and that’s a good thing (Pro. 17:27-28).

Phil. 3:1-6. Paul’s knowledge of the Old Testament, devotion to his religion, and desire to argue over what he believed is not something Paul was once proud of. But then:

Phil. 3:7-10. Once Paul met the God of the word, Jesus Christ, his opinions changed, and his zeal was tempered. Embracing the mind of Christ helps us better understand His word. The more you know Him, the less you’ll need to win religious arguments (v. 11-14).

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