Passages Devotional: Handling Opposition
“Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”2 Timothy 2:25
One of the most challenging situations you may face as a you share the gospel witness is when someone opposes the gospel. According to Paul, what is needed most at that moment is gentle instruction. This involves grace and truth. We instruct with truth to explain the gospel with clarity so that the other might understand. But we do so with grace so that our manner attracts rather than repels. Put grace and truth together and you have a powerful combination that God can use in others’ lives.
Ultimately it is not our answers that make the big difference in another person’s life or thinking. It is God who is at work through those answers. He must draw the other to Christ. God must grant them repentance. You won’t see everyone turn and come to faith. But that is what we should pray and hope for each time we engage in conversation, especially those who oppose the truth.
Thought
A gentle person is powerful in the hands of God.
Take a Step
Think back to a discussion with someone who was strongly negative about what you believe. Did the conversation become heated? Did you maintain your gentle composure? Ask God to make you gentle but truthful when facing opposition.
Bonus
READ: 2 Timothy 2:22-26 >>
So flee 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 foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.← Previous
Day 4: Gentle Persuasion
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Day 6: Graceful Answers
