Stubborn – that’s the attitude of those other people who have a different opinion than mine. They will not bend or carefully listen to another point of view. When people say that I am stubborn they are wrong. I just refuse to change my mind because I know I’m right. Do you find yourself in this same situation? How easy it is to see stubbornness in others and fail to find it in our own hearts. Believers shut their eyes to this characteristic in themselves and excuse it with the idea, “I’m just standing up for what is right.” God’s message is strong and true. It is best delivered and heard within the context of gentleness and kindness. In order to have a meaningful discussion we must be willing to be a careful listener. Rigid, dogmatic statements tend to close the ears of the listener. It is important to learn to “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15) A stubborn mindset comes with an unwillingness to listen. God’s people “know the truth and the truth will set us free.” (John 8:32) A willingness to listen may be the key to free someone from a misguided point of view and encourage them to consider the truths in God’s word. A stubborn, rather than a gracious but convinced Christian – can do damage to a seeker’s heart. It’s a good thing to know what we believe but it is a better thing to be gracious as we share our position. God will help us share His ways in His way.
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