Kind, not Quarrelsome

Scripture: Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them 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. 2 Timothy 2:23-26*

Observation: This morning, America departed from the "crossroads" and became a nation that has turned from God. Sin is now government sanctioned - sin is the 'law of the land'. What are Christians to do about that?

Paul told Timothy exactly what to do about it. We are not to argue about foolish things. We must be kind to everyone in order to ensure we will someday retain the ability to teach. We must not take on "opponents", but rather be gentle toward them so that LATER they may repent, discoverer knowledge and truth, come to their senses, and escape Satan's trap.

Application: It is all right there, so black and white. When we encounter "foolish"* arguments, we are not to quarrel, but rather to be kind and gentle. We are to do this so that later we may still be able to engage in meaningful conversations that instruct others so they may repent. Then after they repent, they can learn and escape from the traps of sins Satan has put into their lives.

And that is what is happening today. We all know it. However, Christians (myself included) will want to react as if we have been attacked today. We must all remember that we have not been attacked. God is being ignored, and he will address that at every level (national an individual) in his time, in his way, for his purposes. For us, today may make future conversations harder, but it does not change the message; it does not change the truth of the gospel ... that salvation for all is found through faith in Jesus, the son of God, who loves the world so much that he sacrificed his own son to reconcile anyone who believes to him, for eternity.

* A "fool" is almost always a translation of the term that refers to someone who does not obey God.

Prayer: Lord, keep your people strong, faithful, and patient today. Remove harsh words and defensive tones from our lips. Give us gentleness in public, and your eyes so that we may see the broken for whom they are - people still loved by you. I know the times in which I live, Lord, but most of all I know for whom I live - I live for you, for Jesus, and for your kingdom come. Amen, and Amen.