It is the spirit of pride that motivates some of the Saints to contend warmly with nonmembers, to argue and debate the meaning of scriptures, to fight and quarrel with those of our Father’s children who might choose not to affiliate with the true Church. Such a spirit is not of God but is indeed of the devil, who stirs up people to contend one with another (see 3 Nephi 11:28-30).
Even though our message to the world is true; even though what we declare will sanctify and save all who accept and follow it; even though the Lord himself is in this work- notwithstanding all this, the Spirit cannot and will not abide with those who seek by argument or heated discussion to establish the truth of spiritual matters.
We teach and we testify. We bear witness. We speak with all the sobriety and sincerity we can muster. We plead with our listeners to give heed to our words, to ponder them, and to petition the heavens to ascertain the truth, but we do not contend. Those Church members who do not take the proper course in this regard- who argue endlessly and quarrel tirelessly- these lose the Spirit of God and become an easy prey to the arch-deceiver. Before they are aware, they lose their souls.