Grace Teaches Us What Not to Fight About

24 September 2026

Mark Penrith reminds us that grace changes not only what we believe, but also what we choose to fight about. Paul writes, “But avoid foolish debates, and genealogies, and quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.” That does not mean truth no longer matters. It means not every disagreement deserves our attention. Mark says, “Not every hill is worth dying on.” Grace gives us wisdom to recognise the difference between defending truth and feeding controversy.

We live in an age of constant arguments. Messages invite responses. Social media gives everyone a platform. Someone says something we disagree with, and we feel compelled to correct it. Someone misunderstands us, and we want to defend ourselves. But Paul says, “avoid.” Mark makes the command practical: “Do not engage. Do not entertain. Do not share the post. Do not forward the email. Avoid.” Sometimes obedience means refusing to enter the argument in the first place.

This does not mean we abandon sound doctrine. Paul himself tells us to contend for the faith. Mark is clear: “This is not a call to abandon doctrine.” The Trinity matters. The resurrection matters. The gospel matters. But not every theological disagreement carries the same weight. Before you respond today, ask three questions. Is this true? Is this important? Is this profitable? Mark says, “The gospel must kill the need to win every argument.” We do not need to prove ourselves every time someone disagrees with us.

Our children are watching us too. They hear the conversations at home. They see what gets our attention. They learn what we consider worth fighting for. If they constantly hear us arguing over minor issues, they may learn that being right matters more than being gracious. Instead, let them see you choose peace when an argument will produce nothing good. Let them see you walk away from a foolish debate. Mark says, “Free us from the tyranny of being right. Because we do not need to prove ourselves. Defend ourselves.” Grace has already secured our standing before God.

Father, give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Help us defend truth without becoming quarrelsome. Free us from the need to win every argument, and make us people who protect peace and pursue what is profitable. Amen.

Read the sermon notes here.

Watch the sermon here.

This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.