2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
I had to save this one separately because if it wasn't so long, I would get it tattooed on my arm so I could see it every day. (I think I'm up to 4 verses I would have tattooed... I'd be looking like a billboard by now). Serving God is always synonymous with a believer's life. We serve God primarily by serving others... wonderful brothers and sisters, and also people who make you feel like you're dancing with a porcupine. Timothy's dealing with a lot of trouble makers and Paul wants to tattoo this on his heart.
Be patient and humble with them. Ugh. I'd probably be rolling my eyes saying: 'Surely you can't be serious Paul. They're making my life crazy... it irks me to no end'. Paul doesn't let Timothy off the hook though and explains why.
"Not quarreling"... it's not about winning an argument, it's a rescue mission. If we're not gentle and humble we miss the chance to be used by God to help these 'captives'.... hostages of the devil, under his spell. If we are gentle and humble, God can open their eyes through the truth, snap them out of it, bring them to repentance. We can be a part of that... used to change someone's eternal destiny. Paul reminds Timothy, the opposition are really captives of the enemy.
Maybe these porcupines are the sandpaper God is using to file down all our rough edges of pride, impatience, and a lack of mercy. Perhaps they are in our life so that we may have a chance to share life-changing truth that brings repentance. And maybe if we can see outside of our own little bubble, we would look with compassion at those taken captive by the devil for his purposes...helpless hostages... just like we were before knowing Him.
You want to serve God? Be kind. Be patient. Be humble. Teach the truth always, but do it in love and who knows what God might do in you, or in someone held hostage by the enemy.
2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
This is so good. I needed to read this for sure. I can get so frustrated when someone isn’t ’listening properly’ or whatever. Patience. Humility. Kindness. All things I need to work on. 😬🫣
ReplyDeleteI can’t even tell you how much I needed to hear this today 😭
ReplyDelete“If we're not gentle and humble we miss the chance to be used by God.” Feels like a calling to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in us!
ReplyDelete