As I read the verses below, I was struck by how relevant they feel in today's world. We are continually inundated with news and conversations surrounding so many challenging social, political, and economic issues. These are made all the more difficult to navigate on the various social media platforms, which can bring the divisive person out of the best of us. When applying these verses to our current culture and how we as Christians are to engage when presented with "foolish controversies" and the like, we need to seek counsel in the Word and in prayer. We cannot completely avoid divisive circumstances, nor do I think we are meant to. Challenging conversations are part of life, and we are supposed to go out into the world and demonstrate the wisdom acquired through a life lived with Jesus. In Romans 12:2 we are told, "not to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." I'll be the first to admit that I don't always know what to say when the conversation gets hard and I don't see eye-to-eye with someone else, especially when my faith is challenged. But I do look to Jesus to guide me, and I trust that He will honor that.

[Titus 3.9-11]

3.9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean to avoid "foolish" situations like those noted in verse 9? Why is this instruction given?

+ What do you think it means to warn a divisive person? What do you think this would look like if Jesus were to model it for us?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How will you ready yourself for divisive encounters?

+ How can you warn a divisive person in a way that honors Jesus?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who in your life do you see as a divisive person? Will you commit to praying for that person and for opportunities to show grace and wisdom in future conversations?