But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9)
Expanded Passage: Titus 3:9-11
If Paul were alive today, I wonder what he would have to say about how we treat one another, whether in person or on social media platforms. Day after day, my feed is filled with heated arguments, dehumanizing comments, polarizing positions, and statements intended to cause division. What is even more disheartening is that many of these are shared by people who consider themselves Christians. I, too, have said things in the heat of the moment that I wish I hadn’t, and I would venture to guess you’ve had that experience as well.
Notice that Paul used the verb “avoid” here. “Avoid foolish controversies . . . because these are unprofitable and useless.” The Greek word means to position oneself in a way that steers clear of unnecessary quarrels. How are you positioning yourself when engaging with others on divisive topics? Do you go into attack mode, positioning yourself against the person with whom you’re arguing? Are you spending your efforts stirring up conflict? Or are you positioning yourself as a person of peace—listening, learning, and prayerfully discerning? One position is unprofitable and useless; the other can lead to understanding and reconciliation. Which will you choose?
If Paul were alive today, I don’t think we have to wonder what he would say about how we treat one another. He has already made it clear: look to Jesus and follow his way.
Position yourself today as a person of peace.
Jenn Petersen is president & CEO for World Hope International. She is also cofounder and copastor of Resurrection Life NYC, a Wesleyan church in Manhattan.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
