in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
- 2 Timothy 2v25-26
How do we handle opposition to God’s work? What do we do about people who are against what we are doing? It is going to happen. People are going to oppose our work, oppose us, or oppose how we do things. The natural result for most of us is to get angry, blow up, and lash out. We think that loudness and brashness makes us right and will get them sorted out.
God’s word has a different approach – ‘In humility correcting those who oppose. With the goal that God will grant them repentance. They will know the truth, come to their senses, and escape the devil’s snare. They are his captives and doing his will.’
We keep coming back to the same spirit expected of God’s servants. It is never the bully, tough guy, ready to fight at the drop of a hat attitude that is so often reflected in action. God’s attitude, as reflected in His word, is seen in these few verses. No quarrels, gentleness, and humility are God’s plans, even towards those in opposition, is God’s way. These traits are our greatest tools. We persuade those in error, not by threats and violence, but by a gentle and humble spirit. No one can argue with those things.
What happens when we try to correct with loud and harsh words? Loud and harsh words come back to us. The only answer is, the only godly answer, to opposition is gentleness and humility.
Perhaps it is time to think of a change of tactic in our battle as we earnestly contend for the faith.
1 comment:
What captures my imgination here is that they need to "know the truth" and "come to their senses" and "escape the snare of the devil." So often, we downplay the work of Satan's influence. We think if someone just grits their teeth and tries hard enough they can overcome sin. We forget they are ensnared by Satan's lies and only God's love, God's truth, and God's grace can enable us to see reality. You are bang on--only in humility and LOVE can we draw people to Him. After all, that's His gig---he didn't draw us to Him by screaming or degrading. He draws us with His Love. How can we do less?
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