23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.
At our old home church before we moved our pastor had told a story about himself as a young immature youth pastor. A group of them had gone to a restaurant after church and a theology argument ensued. He explained he enjoyed arguments and after the meal as they were leaving a gray haired gentleman pulled him aside and gently reproved him. He had quoted a verse similar to "24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing."
Do you enjoy arguments? One standard to making or proving your point of view could be: Are your words reflecting the love of Christ?
You can express your point of view, with love. You can have a disagreement, with love. You can have a theology discussion, with love. You can have a political discussion with love.
Respect the other person, even if they need reproving, "in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth."
Whether you're reproving or being reproved, escape the snare of the devil.
Who's "will" do you want to be captive of?
Are you of Satan or of God?
Blessings, David
No comments:
Post a Comment