2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.”
I once conducted a funeral service for a 92-year-old man. Prior to the service I met with his widow and two daughters. They shared with me the qualities which made him special in their eyes. His sweet little widow looked directly at me and said, “He was a gentleman.” (I want to stress that he was a gentle man.)
Her statement has been churning in my mind ever since. It is so important for us as Christians to be known by our gentle manner, exhibiting a spirit that is broken before the Lord so that the Christ within us oozes out to minister to those around us.
As I read Paul’s words to Timothy, I am impressed by his instruction to teach with gentleness the ones who are opposed to us. Those are the very ones we are to be gentle with and never to be resentful, impatient, or short when interacting with them.
This type of Christ-like living does not occur by reading books or attending self-improvement sessions. It comes about with a constant and consistent walk with the Lord. It demands a love of His Word and time spent communing with Him in prayer. The more time we spend with Him, the more we will become like Him, and that is the pure source of gentleness.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil