Zeal and Truth
If our zeal is embittered by expressions of anger, invective, or scorn, we may think we are doing service to the cause of truth . . . (John Newton, 18th century British converted slave trader)
Newton continues, “. . . when in reality we shall only bring it into discredit.” How appropriate are those thoughts today! People on both sides of political and social debates often act with hatred and malice, thinking that being “right” gives them the license to act in uncivil and harmful ways. Doing so only lessens the impact of their appeal. Truth stands best without hatred.
Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. (Galatians 4:17)