Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:23-26
God has already told us twice in 2 Timothy 2:14-26 not to get involved in worthless conversations. Today, God brings it up one more time. God gives the warning not to get involved in stupid, ignorant arguments because they only lead to fights and bickering. As God’s children, we are not to get involved in quarrels; therefore, we must act differently from the lost world in which we live. God tells us that we must be kind to everyone. Note that God does not say to only be kind to those who are kind to us. We, as Christians, are to be kind to all. We are also to teach others, which means we need to live God’s Word so others will listen as we teach them God’s Truth. We also need to walk in God’s patience as we deal with difficult people, even when they do us wrong. Notice that God does not say to ask Him for patience, but He tells us we must choose to be patient. If we are not passionately pursuing our daily walk with Christ, we cannot do what God has commanded us to do. The patience we practice allows us to gently correct those who oppose God’s Truth. God does not say to argue His Truth; He tells us to gently correct others with His Truth (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6). We gently correct those who are lost because they are being held captive by the devil to do his will and they don’t even know it. God wants to use us to help them see His Truth.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your role as a Christian in lost people’s lives?
2. How are you walking in the truths God has laid out for you today and this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!