2 Timothy 2
Scripture
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul describes the type of temperament a Christ Follower should take on as we teach those who may oppose our faith. They must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone. They must be able to gently teach those who oppose our stance, so that they can see God's love through it. Finally, they must be tolerant and patient with people. These are keys that Paul uses that can help defuse any volatile situation and allow Christ followers a way to dispel foolish arguments without destroying the antagonists.
Understanding-What does it mean?
What good is it to win an argument but lose those we get in touch with?
There are times we may find ourselves in situations where we are confronted by those who oppose our faith and beliefs. But this passage reminds me just how important our response to these people are. On one hand we can just rip into them with the knowledge we have on God's Word. We can belittle them and their way of thinking. But what does that ultimately do? These people we come into contact with will probably walk away feeling dejected and maybe even resentful towards you because how you made them feel. Yeah, we may have won the argument, but we may have lost their soul to Christ.
Instead Paul reminds us the virtues we must carry as Christ Followers. We must be kind, tolerant, patient, and gently teach them the truth of God's Word. It is our actions during this dispute that can speak volumes into their lives. Are my actions seeking to destroy my enemy and have him have hatred towards me? Or are my actions showing my opponent mercy, grace, and help to get their lives back on track? Which one of these actions are more Christ-like?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
Life Application
Let the truth of God's Word and the transformation in my life because of it, be enough to show others God's love and grace.
Father God, may my life today be pleasing to You. May my actions reflect Your love and grace to those I come into contact with. May the truth of Your Word alone set the lost ones free. Give me the strength to display these characteristics Paul speaks of in this passage to help teach others about You. In Jesus name I pray these things, Amen.