Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help. But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. The Lord's servant must not quarrel. He must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as he corrects his opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. And then they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, who had caught them and made them obey his will.

2 Timothy 2:22-26

When people try to convert you, engage them in polite conversation. When you are confronted with people who distort or deny biblical doctrines, you need to know what the Bible teaches. Gently correct those in error so that they will know the truth. Our goal should be to help people find the truth, not to win arguments.

To reveal error, expose it to the light of God's truth.

Our Daily Bread - January 10, 2003