Hair-Raising Argument

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:22-26

“Just wait! I’ll get my ruler!” Becca shouted at her sister, Annie. She turned away from the family’s Saturday morning breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup to dig in her craft box. I know I’m right! Becca thought.

Like all sisters, Becca and Annie sometimes argued. Occasionally, their disagreements slid into fights with name-calling and slapping. Now, they had a running dispute over which sister had longer hair.

As Becca located the ruler, her dad spoke up. “Girls, we could measure your hair,” Dad began calmly, “or we could do something else.”

Becca and Annie exchanged a confused look. “What?” Annie asked.

“We could talk about how this is a useless argument you two girls are having,” Dad replied.

“My hair’s longer—and prettier too!” Annie yelled.

“No, mine is! Your hair’s awful!” Becca retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That’s what I mean,” Dad said. “You’re fighting—again. Yesterday, you argued about whose bed was more neatly made up. It ended with Becca pulling off Annie’s sheets. Then Annie threw Becca’s teddy bear in the driveway.”

Becca and Annie glared at each other.

Dad continued. “What will you actually accomplish if you’re right? Wouldn’t it be better not to take part in foolish arguments, especially ones that make it harder to be good sisters?”

“Yes,” they mumbled together, embarrassed.

“Disagreements that keep us from pursuing love with other Christians are not God’s will for His children. Jesus died and rose again so we could have a relationship with Him—which brings us peace with God and peace in our hearts. When we have the peace of Christ, that needs to show in how we live our lives,” Dad said, serving up more pancakes.

“We’re sorry, Dad,” Annie said. Becca nodded in agreement.

After sitting quietly for a moment, Becca announced, “Annie! Let’s not measure our hair. Let’s give each other new hairdos! Remember those barrettes I got last week?”

Annie smiled and answered, “Yeah! That sounds like a lot more fun.” As the girls cleared the table, Becca tossed the ruler back in the box where it belonged.

-Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?

Do you start arguments over things that don’t really matter? Do they sometimes lead to bigger fights that leave people angry and hurt? Instead of trying to win an argument, it’s sometimes better to avoid one altogether, especially when it’s over something unimportant. Through Christ, we can choose peace over silly disagreements that keep us from loving others. When you feel the need to prove yourself right, choose to show the peace and love of Jesus instead.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Timothy 2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Avoid foolish arguments