[June 25]
Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which
was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3
SOMETIMES it might seem like contention for the
faith once delivered to the saints for one person to
argue with another on scriptural subjects, and yet his
real motive in so doing might be pride. Pride is a
part of selfishness; therefore in contending for his own
ideas one might be cultivating pride. The contention
which God would approve is that earnest desire to
have whatever God's Word teaches. We must not contend
with the tongue improperly, nor speak slanderously.
In all of our contentions we should manifest
the fruits of the Holy Spirit—gentleness, brotherly
kindness, love. Thus the proper contention would not
partake of anger, hatred, malice, or strife. Z'12-215
R5057:4
(Hymn 329)