2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading 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.”
We live in a day where pride and arrogance seem to be acceptable behavior. In some venues it takes the form of “trash talking” in which opponents belittle those on the other side while bragging about what they are going to do. I just happen to think that actions speak louder than words.
Many years ago I was meeting with the two daughters of a 92-year-old man whose funeral service I would be conducting. As they reminisced about their dad, one of them commented that he was a gentleman. The other daughter immediately agreed and then added that he was not only a gentleman, he was a gentle man.
Wow! To me that is powerful stuff. As I have reflected on the difference, I can see that a person can be a gentleman (or gentlewoman) without being gentle. One has the idea of position, while the other indicates behavior.
Paul was writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, and encouraging him to behave in a gentle manner regardless of what others did or said. There are many qualities that a servant of the Most High God may demonstrate, but the one I strive to achieve is to be gentle. I may not always achieve my goal, but I am aiming for it.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil