21ST AUGUST
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
If you want God to use you, don’t be quarrelsome!
The more I talk with non-churched people the more I realise they expect Christians to have strong views on life. Some will resist engaging in conversation with Christians because they don’t feel like quarrelling over an issue. I heard someone once say, “Christians are quick to tell you what they think but never listen to what you have to say”.
I have to be the first to admit that sometimes I have been more interested in being ‘right’ and winning the fight than in helping the other person understand the gospel and journeying with them towards faith in Jesus.
Paul says the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome. But he adds to this that we should be kind to everyone. This means being kind to that person that always makes smug remarks about your faith, teaching them the truth of your faith and correcting their views with gentleness. When people openly attack you for what you believe you are encouraged to stand firm in your faith patiently enduring evil.
God is reminding you today to resist the urge to fight but leave the battle to him. Commit today to be kind to everyone in patience and gentleness and leave the results to God.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Are you easily angered? Are you quick to tell other people what you think without listening to what they have to say? Do you struggle to show kindness to people who have different views than you?