The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 CSB
I love reading Paul’s letters! They are full of advice to help all of us be better followers of Jesus. Paul is in prison in Rome and does not anticipate being released. He writes this second letter to Timothy who is in Ephesus trying to combat some false beliefs being preached in the church there.
Paul’s first piece of advice is, don’t quarrel with the false teachers who just want to argue against the true gospel teaching. He tells Timothy to “reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know they breed quarrels.” (verse 23)
Paul goes on to encourage Timothy to be gentle to everyone, especially his opponents, the false teachers. Paul’s hopeful thinking is that maybe the false teachers will repent, and God will lead them into the true knowledge of the message of Jesus. Paul even wants their enemies to be saved!
Paul’s remaining advice is again, gentleness in instructing, and also using patience. So, the question is how does Paul’s advice translate to us, today?
Paul is encouraging us as well as Timothy. Because my friends, we are the Lord’s servants. And we are in great company, Paul, Timothy, Peter, James, John, Luke, Matthew, Mark and so many others. Mary, mother of Jesus, “See I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38
Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
This week let’s embrace our identity as the Lord’s servants. Let’s refuse to argue with those who just want to discourage and discredit our faith. Let’s use patience and gentleness as we tell others about Jesus and all He has done for us. Let’s be bold like the first servants of the Lord Jesus and speak His truth to everyone.
I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as Paul gives us some great advice as we practice being the Lord’s servants.
Blessings and gentleness as the Lord’s servants!
Peggy Writes 
I wish more folks understood this. So many people get completely bent out of shape when it comes to discussing spiritual matters. There are some legitimate religious fanatics in my own family, and those people have weaponized their faith to the point where it’s virulent and so off-putting that no one wants to talk to them about religious beliefs, or anything else. And that’s unfortunate. My mom always said you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Being kind and compassionate about our differences encourages trust and understanding; being open-minded allows us to learn. We need more kindness to build bridges in this modern world.
Another important and enlightening post, Peggy. Your gift keeps giving, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your mom is totally right! Being kind and gentle really takes no more effort than being rude. And I love “kindness to build bridges.” We need those connections with others. Thanks for your support and encouragement, my friend, it means a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person