Correcting Opponents
With Gentleness
Shun youthful passions and pursue
righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the LORD
from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies;
you know that they breed quarrels. And the LORD’s servant must not be
quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting
opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come
to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having
been held captive by him to do his will.
We are called to care for people, but
you should realize it can be risky. When people wander from the path of truth,
they may like their new lifestyle, and they may not want to return to the
lighted path.
When it comes to winning human minds
and hearts for God, we can’t rely on human ingenuity
and muscle. What we really need is the wisdom of God. Without being quarrelsome
or arrogant, the LORD’s servant must use gentleness and patience.
A blend of truth and grace in the
presence of danger is more than self-protection. It illustrates for others the
heart of the One we are urging them to embrace.
who has strayed.
Our Daily Bread –