Q is for Quarrel

Q is for Quarrel
by Heather Collver

Is there anyone in the Bible who's name starts with a Q? I apologize that I could not find it if there is. I hope that I will be able to teach on a word rather than a person for our letter Q this week.

Quarrel- The following definitions are from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/quarrel
–noun
1.
an angry dispute or altercation; a disagreement marked by a temporary or permanent break in friendly relations.
2.
a cause of dispute, complaint, or hostile feeling: She has no quarrel with her present salary.
–verb (used without object)
3.
to disagree angrily; squabble; wrangle.
4.
to end a friendship as a result of a disagreement.
5.
to make a complaint; find fault.

Reading those definitions may spark a memory in most of us. I know I am guilty of being quarrelsome. Especially when I was a child. What does the Bible teach us about Quarrel? How will we be able to connect it to men in the Bible?

2 Timothy 2:24- And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.

Men are teachers. They teach in many ways. At home, at work, in the community, among friends. They teach in schools, churches and corporate settings all the time. They lead our counties, states and country. Good teaching never promotes quarrels or foolish arguments. It is important to listen to people's questions and treat them respectfully. Debates should be avoided at all times. Those who oppose you will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error. This is particularly helpful when representing the Lord, our God. It also pertains to both men and women. Whenever we have the opportunity to represent our Lord, we must keep from debates and quarreling.

Proverbs 20:3- It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.

Men and women both have a responsibility. They are to live a life of integrity. It is important that we always live above reproach. When arguments start, find a way to cease from participating.

Proverbs 26:21-As coals are to hot embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to inflame strife. Just picture a camp fire, or a barbecue. We must add the fuel to get it going. Are you more likely to be the fuel or the extinguisher?

Dear Lord,
I want to spend time on this subject this week. I know that I am guilty of strife and quarreling. I ask that you remind us this week to turn away, cease and extinguish any desire to participate, fuel or encourage a quarrel. I pray that you will speak through me and help me to teach your Word accurately.

We do not currently have a scheduled name to pray for this week. If you are in need of prayer, please let us know. So for now, let's pray for our country and it's ability to fuel or extinguish current issues that could cause quarreling.