DMcFadden
Puritanboard Commissioner
Hi DMcFadden.
I agree with you on controversy often causing heat and no light. Truth should be presented in a gentle way, yet there does come a time when we need to take out the Sword of Truth, not only to defend ourselves, for we have the shield already, but to attack the lies of the Devil, for how is God's Name Glorified if we stand back and say nothing while His truth is being opposed? Yet I do agree that we should strive for peace with all men, as much as we are able to ourselves.
No argument here. The problem is that the wrong people try to be "gentle" and the other group of wrong people try to be "prophetic truth tellers." Most Christians I know are too quiescent, using the excuse of gentleness. On the other hand, most of the ones I see being confrontational are just plain abrasive and obnoxious. If they were not Christians, they would be irritating and alienating pagans.
Maturity comes in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.