2 Timothy 2: Verses 24-25 (NLT)
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Some people know how to rub us up the wrong way or do so to see how we will react. I admit that I can rise to the bait, but Paul tells Timothy that’s not how a Christian should react. We need to be gentle, even with those who are trying to trip us up. I think that there is a saying that “if you raise your voice, you lose the argument” and I think that’s true. We need to respond in a way that is perhaps the opposite to what someone might expect. And that’s definitely not easy. But we have the Holy Spirit to help us. Our response may not immediately turn people to God, but we certainly don’t want it to turn them away. King Solomon in his wisdom said. “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” (Proverbs 15:1) It might not be the easiest thing to do, but I think its worth the effort. Aren’t all good things worth taking the time for?
Dear Lord,
I know I have a tendency to respond if someone pushes the wrong button. Help me to remember that Jesus told us to turn the other cheek. Grant me grace and mercy to do that when I need to. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.