I disagreed with an elder pastor about a scriptural interpretation. It became a very heated argument and now that I've calmed down I feel...?

Question

very ashamed. I've checked my argument was justified but my delivery was infantile and slightly aggressive. Just now the pastor seemed to avoid me as we crossed paths. He smiled nervously but kept walking. I want to apologize but don't want to look like I've conceded. Any ideas that won't look crazy?

Answer 1

This situation can happen about anything, regardless of the subject matter.

Apologizing for our behavior is not also saying we are wrong. It says we handled it badly and we want to restore the relationship if not the issue.

There will always be differences of opinion and this also happens with just about everything. But how we deal with others when they disagree with us even more important in the eyes of God than us being right. He values love above all things.

You may have been right. That doesn't mean you can't apologise for how you got there.

The ends do not justify the means. Being insensitive and right is NOT better than being kind and wrong.

Answer 2

Write him a brief letter of apology,

for your bad manners.



--

Regards,



John Popelish

Answer 3

Call him on the phone and meet in private to apologize not for your view but for how you presented it. If you look a little foolish, that's OK I do that often. It is good for the soul.

Answer 4

One can apologize for having been too strident. However, you cannot expect a christian to forgive you for disagreeing with them.



In the real world things can be measured and truth can be established. Yet, there are said to be 33,000 different christian denominations. Why? Because there is no possible way to settle a difference in "scriptural interpretation." There are no facts, evidence, or truth; just opinions.

Answer 5

How about, "I'm sorry for my bad manners in the way I disagreed with you. I respect your opinion, though I continue to differ with you. I hope you will forgive me for how I presented my arguments."

Answer 6

What would Jesus do? Be humble and honest. They say "love your enemy", right? This guy isn't your enemy, just someone who disagrees with you. Make it right.

Answer 7

If you cannot humble yourself and admit your part, then you are not ready to seek peace with your pastor and God.

Answer 8

What was the scripture that he interpreted wrong?

Answer 9

Well first of all it's hard to distinguish who is right or wrong because you did not specify what the dispute was about. Either way seem to be a peacemaker. Whether you feel like you are right or not.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God

Answer 10

When you argue over pretense, you should be ashamed.

\Get away from that,m or you will drive yourself crazy for sure. Crazy as that preacher you argued with.