Kind, gentle, and patient!
Scripture reading for October 3: 2 Timothy 2
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 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.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Paul wrote plainly to his ‘son’ in the faith, Timothy concerning the conduct of a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although Timothy was young, Paul instructed him to flee from typical youthful passions and to instead focus on pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. The kingdom of heaven is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Jesus taught His disciples that they should first seek the kingdom of heaven and God’s righteousness instead of seeking after food, clothes, or worldly riches and fame. (Matthew 6:33) God promises to take care of His children and provide for their needs as they humbly depend on Him.
In addition to this, ministers of the Gospel must not be quarrelsome or contentious. The humble and gentle heart of Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30) must be allowed to develop and be shown in kindness and gentleness to all, even to opponents who are mean or obnoxious. As Jesus patiently endured evil towards Himself, His disciples also must patiently endure and seek repentance and forgiveness for those who are opposing. God’s heart is that none perish but all come to the truth about Jesus and enter eternal life. It is God’s goodness reflected in those who minister the Gospel that draw even hardened opponents to Jesus for healing and deliverance from Satan’s snare.
Have you experienced or observed ministers of Jesus Christ who reflect the kindness and gentleness of Jesus to those opposing them? How would you evaluate your own application of these instructions on how to treat those that may oppose you or Christ’s message? Would others see Christ in your actions?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for clear and simple instructions and Christ’s example on how to live by love and faith in peace with others. Fill me with Christ’s Holy Spirit today and help me to reflect Your goodness and gentleness to those who even oppose you. Increase my patient endurance. Amen.
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