Today’s Insight in the Word-
2 Timothy 2 – Often Christians find themselves in heated debates of who is right and who is wrong. This is wrong dear friends. If we recall the life of Jesus we do not find that He sat by arguing points with people. He spoke the truth and moved on. Sometimes we find ourselves around the same people trying to “convert” them. That is a bad idea. Why is it that we exhaust ourselves trying to teach just one person who refuses to listen when there are those that haven’t even got to hear the gospel once. The Lord tells us to brush off our sandals and move on if we are not welcomed. Matthew 10 :14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.” However, we must be gentle no matter what. It is never okay to be brash or overly-assertive. God may restore them at a later time. Our job is to plant the seed and share the truth, beyond that we are not responsible. We are to love them as Christ loves them. The devil places traps in peoples lives that keep them thinking everything is okay or they can repent before they die, or they can live how they want even after they are saved. We know this is not true and it is the devil’s biggest lie. However, God is bigger than that, and all we do after sharing is pray the Lord have mercy and grace on them, and that their eyes be opened!
Vs 24-26 – “The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.”
Walking in the Word – I must bridle my tongue when I feel like arguing a point. In an effort to be more like Christ, I must not get entangled with heated debates and causing someone to stumble. No matter how others respond to me, I must always respond in humility and gentleness. It is what is expected of me. I will continue to pray for those that are lost, but I must continue to share with others and not grow weary.
Prayer Response to the Word – Father, Abba, thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for having patience with me and not letting Your anger burn against me. I ask that You give me the strength to love others as You have loved me, exercise patience with others as You have been patient with me, and deal with others in grace and mercy as You have dealt with me. I pray that when the devil tries to trap me, that You rescue me with Your mighty right hand and restore me. I ask that You help me to share the truth of Your word without indignation or anger when people do not respond lovingly. Lord help me to be the man that You want me to be, and less the man that I want. I am here for Your purpose and I pray that You have mercy on me when I mess up. I pray these things in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen & Amen!