2 Timothy chapter 2: verse 15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy chapter 2: verses 24-26 (NIV)
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.
How do I react when someone wants to pick a quarrel? They may disagree with my opinion and be unwilling to let things alone. Paul counsels Timothy to be able to correctly handle God’s word, and that is certainly important. But there comes a time when the best thing we can do for someone is to be kind. That might catch them by surprise. That doesn’t mean that it’s an easy thing to do – to be kind to someone who has been, or who continues to be, unkind to us. But its what Jesus would do. Even the Old Testament reading in Proverbs today was about giving food and drink to your enemy. So, this teaching is well imbedded in God’s precepts. Solomon also teaches us in Proverbs that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs Chapter 15: verse 1)
Paul talks about being able to teach and not being resentful. That includes those who have treated us unkindly. Whilst it is a definite calling for some to teach God’s way, which is not the same as preaching in my opinion, I would also suggest that all Christians should be able to teach, and as Paul puts it, “gently instruct” those who oppose us. We do so by living as an example. I keep seeing more and more how important this is, and wonder why I have taken so long to realise it.
Actually, Jesus Himself sums it up in the Semon on the Mount which has become known as the “Golden Rule.” He said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew Chapter 7 verse 12) If we do that, then as Paul told Timothy, perhaps even those who oppose the teaching of God, may be convicted by the way they are treated and recognise the hand of Jesus in our actions.
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow Paul’s counsel even in the face of opposition. Let Your hand be evident in the way we conduct ourselves even if it is unpopular. Your word also tells us that a gentle word at the right time is better than a harsh one spoken in anger. Help me to remember that and to bite my lip even if I am provoked. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.