Today’s Encouragement is 2 Timothy 2:25 NLT Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
Gently instruct –
Paul writes these words of counsel to the younger Timothy. He’s advised him previously (23-24) to avoid arguments, don’t quarrel, be kind, and be patient… and here he begins with the wisdom of his years and his walk with God… ‘This is what you are to do instead of fighting with others… gently instruct…’
With patience, calmness, and confidence, gently instruct…
And then, not in arguing or quarreling, but through gentle teaching… perhaps (there are no guarantees here) it may be that God (God’s work, not ours) will change their hearts and they will learn the Truth.
My friends, it is God’s work to change hearts, to open eyes to His Truth. Yes, He uses us to gently instruct, so that He may work as He chooses… but He doesn’t want us to fight, argue, or quarrel. We do fight when we mistakenly believe it is all up to us! Rather, we are called to calmly plant seeds… and then God determines which seeds take root and grow in faith, and which seeds, even though faithfully planted, even with gentle instruction, do not take root.
Father God, thank You for giving us the clear responsibility to share Your Love, Your Truth, Your Mercy with the people around us. Help us do so with gentle instruction, trusting that You will change hearts as You know best.
Change my heart O God
Maranatha Music
Today’s Encouragement 