This about sums me up....:
Ezra Taft Benson said, "truth…divides the people.”
Arguing and debating may appear to be "contentious" but Elder Neal A. Maxwell regularly quoted a statement made by Austin Farrer who said:
“Though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”
Elder Holland counseled us to never fear engaging in the battle for truth. He said, “Do not be afraid of scars that may come in defending the truth or fighting for the right, but beware scars that spiritually disfigure, that come to you in activities you should not have undertaken, that befall you in places where you should not have gone. Beware the wounds of any battle in which you have been fighting on the wrong side. “ Jeffery R. Holland
One can defend the truth passionately without the use of derogatory language, which invites the contention of the adversary.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Thank you.
Delete"Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies."
Delete—Quentin L. Cook, "We Follow Jesus Christ", Ensign, May 2010