Jesus clearly taught the people in ancient America that He disapproves of "disputations." After His visit, the people were happy because they avoided contention. President Dallin H. Oaks encouraged us to follow Jesus by being peacemakers.
Swords and Words
The Zoramites used words that demean and divide. Alma used words and uplift and unite. He knew that outreach and persuasion are more effective than combativeness and confrontation. Our words should recognize the value of others and bring them together.
Having Great Wrath
John said that, after the War in Heaven, Satan came to earth, "having great wrath." As a result, he would like us to become angry as well and to act on that anger. With God's help, we can overcome anger and choose reconciliation instead of contention.
Vain Jangling – Part 2
One reason to avoid speculative topics is because they often lead to conflict. Sincere questions are good, but controversial questions can provoke unnecessary and unproductive disputes. Stay on solid ground by avoiding frivolous topics.
“Mark Them Which Cause Divisions”
Paul warned us to avoid people who cause contention or deceive people. The Savior taught that we should continue to love them, minister to them, and pray for them, but don't make them your mentor. Don't trust them to be your teacher. Be careful.
Doubtful Disputations
The apostle Paul urged church members in Rome to avoid "doubtful disputations." The Savior went further: "There shall be no disputations among you," He said. If we're honest, most of our disagreements are about unimportant things. We can let them go.
He Answered Them Nothing
Sometimes, the best answer is no answer at all. As Jesus endured unjust trials, He responded to some questions with silence. Alma and Amulek did the same in the prison in Ammonihah. Sometimes, disciples of Christ must resist the impulse to respond.
“Put Up Again Thy Sword”
When Peter tried to defend Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus taught him an important truth: "All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Peace and patience can be far more persuasive than contention and hostility.
“That He May Sift You”
Satan, our adversary, tries to separate us. Jesus called it "sifting us as wheat." He urged all of us to thwart Satan's efforts by remaining faithful to God, strengthening one another, and being patient and kind to one another.
A Great Division
Jesus wants us to have peace, but there were divisions among the people who saw and heard Him. Sometimes our words provoke division. Sometimes winning an argument is more important to us than the topic. We should heal divisions, not exacerbate them.