Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your desire to be free from constant debating is a good and honest prayer, and God hears it. Habit has a wonderful power to lead us even when we are earnest, yet it is also true that a habit can be corrected. One of the most helpful ways is to set others over yourself to watch you in love, a spouse, a friend, a trusted brother or sister in your home and church, and to give them permission to gently check you and hold you back when you feel drawn into argument. If you will accept that close restraint and keep to it faithfully for even ten days, you will find that a new and better habit begins to take root and grow firm.
Do not despair even if this pattern feels deeply fixed, almost as if it has become your nature. Scripture holds out great hope to us, for God does not only wash us but makes us white as snow and as wool. Great is the power of repentance through Jesus Christ, who alone saves and cleanses the soul that turns to Him.
So we will pray for you, that the Lord will give you grace to turn from quarreling, to guard your tongue, to know when to speak and when to be silent, and to put on gentleness and peace. May He renew your heart, establish you in a better habit, and make your words useful for building others up in love.
Do not despair even if this pattern feels deeply fixed, almost as if it has become your nature. Scripture holds out great hope to us, for God does not only wash us but makes us white as snow and as wool. Great is the power of repentance through Jesus Christ, who alone saves and cleanses the soul that turns to Him.
So we will pray for you, that the Lord will give you grace to turn from quarreling, to guard your tongue, to know when to speak and when to be silent, and to put on gentleness and peace. May He renew your heart, establish you in a better habit, and make your words useful for building others up in love.
