My boys are not allowed to use the word "Mexican" in my family. I do not like the tone they have been bringing home when they speak that word that describes so many people I love. There was a time when the words "Italian" and "Portuguese" were spoken about my family with the same disdain, and it will not be allowed in my house.
You cannot be "ready for every good deed (1)" unless you are right with every person. I know certain followers of Jesus who think they are right with every person. I know certain followers of Jesus who think they are right (righteous) with men, but they despise certain people and people groups.
Like the Cretans (1:12) and the Samaritans (John 4), they hold certain prejudices against groups that are different than them. This prejudice hinders their readiness to perform deeds of righteousness.
Which group or groups do you contend with? As a young man in ministry, I was contentious towards the parents of teens until I realized they were my greatest assets. What I ignorantly saw as the enemy became my greatest ally.
Besides the cross, the greatest symbols of Christ in our church are the numerous smoldering ashtrays around the church campus. Our church has an amazing ministry to people working through addictions, hurts, and hang-ups. These ashtrays, however, are a source of contention with some believers.
They pose seemingly good and true arguments against them, but contention lies at the core of many of their arguments. If they were to be honest, they malign and despise this type of person in their church. Their contentiousness hinders their righteousness from "showing every consideration for all men."
These people need to serve the very ones they contend against.