Don’t Argue – Be Kind
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. - 2 Timothy 2:23-24
I have a friend who some have said is a very negative person. He was telling me one time that people keep telling him that he is too negative and he responded, “I am not negative, I am positive. I positively believe that if you don’t do it my way you will go to hell.” Needless to say, this man often had to argue his way out of many situations.
Arguments do not come from knowing you are right, but from trying to get others to agree that you are right. Arguments lead to bad feelings between friends and brothers and they will produce resentment.
Paul is instructing Timothy on some of the finer points of being a leader. There are times when a leader must look at the bigger picture and realize that reaching the goal of encouraging another is more important than contending for a point in an argument.
A wise servant of the Lord will be kind to everyone, gently teaching kingdom principles. The truth we have is of no value to others if we present it in such a way that it causes resentment.
Practice teaching the truth with kindness.
Prayer: Father, grant me a gentle spirit so that I can teach others your way and lead them into your righteousness. Give me the wisdom to teach the truth with kindness. In Jesus name, amen.
Don’t Argue – Be Kind
Message: There are times when a leader must look at the bigger picture and realize that reaching the goal of encouraging another is more important than contending for a point in an argument. A wise servant of the Lord will be kind to everyone, gently teaching kingdom principles.
Affirmation: Helping others understand the principles behind Scriptural doctrine in more important than trying to convince them I am right.
Reflection: One reason that there are thousands of denominations in Christianity is because so many people feel like everyone else should agree them on their “hobby horse” doctrines. Paul is addressing that issue in this passage of Scripture. Think of some ways you can teach without being negative about other people.
I have a friend who some have said is a very negative person. He was telling me one time that people keep telling him that he is too negative and he responded, “I am not negative, I am positive. I positively believe that if you don’t do it my way you will go to hell.” Needless to say, this man often had to argue his way out of many situations.
Arguments do not come from knowing you are right, but from trying to get others to agree that you are right. Arguments lead to bad feelings between friends and brothers and they will produce resentment.
Paul is instructing Timothy on some of the finer points of being a leader. There are times when a leader must look at the bigger picture and realize that reaching the goal of encouraging another is more important than contending for a point in an argument.
A wise servant of the Lord will be kind to everyone, gently teaching kingdom principles. The truth we have is of no value to others if we present it in such a way that it causes resentment.
Practice teaching the truth with kindness.
Prayer: Father, grant me a gentle spirit so that I can teach others your way and lead them into your righteousness. Give me the wisdom to teach the truth with kindness. In Jesus name, amen.
Don’t Argue – Be Kind
Message: There are times when a leader must look at the bigger picture and realize that reaching the goal of encouraging another is more important than contending for a point in an argument. A wise servant of the Lord will be kind to everyone, gently teaching kingdom principles.
Affirmation: Helping others understand the principles behind Scriptural doctrine in more important than trying to convince them I am right.
Reflection: One reason that there are thousands of denominations in Christianity is because so many people feel like everyone else should agree them on their “hobby horse” doctrines. Paul is addressing that issue in this passage of Scripture. Think of some ways you can teach without being negative about other people.
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