This is a prayer that we might learn how to discuss controversial topics in love - without attacking our opponents on a personal level. Something that the verses made me realize is that it is God who reveals the way - not us.
Our Father,
Please bless our worldwide community that, before we give our opinion on a matter, we may be:
“...quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:19-20).
Help us to remember that: “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish” (Proverbs 18:13).
And may we always: "Do to others whatever [we] would like them to do to [us]" (Matthew 7:12).
Help us not to be frightened when we discuss different ideas, for, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” ( 1 John 4:18).
May we be “open-minded”, “receptive” and “examine the scriptures every day to see whether these things [are] so” (Acts 17:11).
As servants of our Lord, let us: “not quarrel but.. be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. <<Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts>>, and they will learn the truth” (2 Timothy 2:23-25).
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:13-15).
“All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point [we] think differently, that too <<God will make clear to [us]>>” (Philippians 3:15).
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen
