SCRIPTURE
2 Timothy 2:14-26 (NRSV)
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness."
In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
DEVOTION
Yesterday in Bible Study we discussed the importance of controlling our tongues because the power of life and death is contained therein.
Again, we hear a similar message from Paul in 2 Timothy when he states, "avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening...Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene...Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
Wow!
Paul didn't "mince his words." (smile)
He reminds us that what we say truly matters! He instructs us to use our mouths to help and not hurt, build up and not tear down, help and not harm.
We are especially instructed to avoid quarreling with others!
Even as we are trying to share the good news with others, we are to do it with love and gentleness.
Paul says, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will."
We are all the Lord's servants, therefore we are all called to be kind to everyone, patient, and gentle!
As we model these Spiritual attributes our non-Christian brothers and sisters will be more likely to be receptive to our good news message regarding Jesus who lived and died and rose again to make atonement for our sin and gift us with eternal life!
Our words make a difference, beloved of God! Let us be careful what we say...
Let's pray: My Lord and my God! Please bridle my tongue. Please lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Please forgive me for being quarrelsome in the past. Please help me to be kind, gentle, and patient in the future. Enable and equip me to share the good news. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
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