Verse of the Day Devotion: 2 Timothy 2:24-26
“The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26
When we are saved, we become a servant of Christ. Paul refers to himself as a “doulos” which is the Greek word for bondservant, and we should see ourselves the same. In our focus verses, Paul lets us know how we are to carry ourselves. Let’s look at these points and, where we see ourselves falling short, like I have, we can make the changes to how we ought to be.
We are not to be quarrelsome. We must be kind to all. If there is a point of disagreement, we must not raise our voices or use insults in order to get our way. Also, we must teach them where they are in error, or where they have a desire to learn. When anyone wrongs us, we must not lose our temper, but with patience and love, work toward reconciliation.
We must be gentle with all. When correcting those who are wrong, we must do it in love. If they are in sin, then we must admonish them, in love, with our goal being leading them to repentance whereby they acknowledge the sin and turn from it. John puts it clearly when he says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Unfortunately, we all commit sins even if we do not know or want to admit it. Remember the Golden Rule, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 Approach them as we would want them to approach us. If we come at them in anger or arrogance, we may not have the opportunity to speak into their lives. We may actually drive them away. This is not what our goal should be.
We do not know all that is going on in a brother or sister’s life. Many times, we may find embedded hurts, anguish, worry, sorrow, or broken heartedness. We cannot add to their issues by not showing love to them Sometimes a compassionate discussion may be all that is needed, and they will find healing; and return to a solid Christian walk. Other times, we may have to get help for them when their situation is beyond our ability to deal with. However, we must stay in contact so we can be there for them if needed in the future.
One last thing, though not in our focus verses, keep them in your prayers. This is a very powerful way to show our compassion. We can let them know or not; that depends on each individual situation. However, either way, we are loving them. And that is the most important thing we can do. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34.
William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.