— By David Duncan / Minister-Memorial church of Christ

That is just one of the questions people are thinking about as many venture out of isolation. If you want to get into an online brawl, just throw out an opinion on social media about it. You don’t have to make a firm stance, just mention it and “friends” in the comment section will throw barbs at each other worthy of politicians.

As a minister, I have listened to many Christians go back and forth over which Bible version is the most accurate. Each side lines up “experts” although they had never heard of them before their Google search. Churches have even divided over Bible versions when no one in the congregation knew Greek or Hebrew.

The verse I meditate on in such times is Romans 12:18. Paul, wrote, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Times that I cannot live in peace with others are rare. Prayer, creativity and walking away are often the best methods to finding peace with others.

So, how can I live at peace with everyone?

First, I do not need to share my opinion on everything, especially on subjects which I am not an expert.

Secondly, if I do share my opinion, it is usually better to be shared in person only after prayer. Written words do not always convey the tone and love I have for the other person.

Third, if people share opinions with which I do not agree, silent prayer should be my first response. My prayer is that I will choose my words carefully, if I choose any at all. I will hear their opposing opinion, but I will not dwell on it.

Wear a mask is your choice. In the meantime, I am going to focus on what I need to do.

*David Duncan and his family moved to Houston in 2006, where he accepted the role of Pulpit Minister at Memorial. He previously lived in Oklahoma while serving as the Outreach Minister at the Edmond Church of Christ from 1999-2006, and as an adjunct instructor at Oklahoma Christian University. David and his wife, Barbara, met while students at Oklahoma Christian. During their engagement, Barbara was located in Mito, Japan where she taught English as a vocational missionary. At the conclusion of her assignment, she was joined by David and the two were married in Japan!

After David completed a Master’s degree at Oklahoma Christian, he and Barbara moved to Vitoria, Brazil as part of a four-family mission team to plant a church there. Their family grew when two daughters, Anna Beth and Emma, were born while they were serving on that mission field. David completed a doctorate in Ministry at Houston Graduate School of Theology in 2010.

He loves to watch pro baseball and college football, and feels very blessed to have a wife and two daughters who love to cook!