Shun Controversy. 2 Timothy 2:23-27.
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.
Dear Holy Nation,
The danger of being embroiled in pointless controversies is only too real. Paul warns Timothy of that threat.
Avoid (v. 23). The end of most controversies is quarrels and no gain to be seen for all the emotional expenditure. Often, whether we win or lose the argument, we end up alienated from our antagonist. It is best to avoid arguments.
Attend (v. 24).The business of every servant of God is to reach out to all with grace, attending to their spiritual needs. Even when they repay us with evil, we should endure it with patience.
Anticipate (vv. 25-26). The reason we should handle our opponents with grace, even as we correct them is the hope that God will bring them to the saving knowledge of Christ. We must look beyond them and see the real enemy, “the devil [who has] captured [them] to do his will.” Elsewhere, Paul reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil…” (Ephesians 6:12). As much as people may drive us against the wall, let us never lose sight of the real enemy behind the human face.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.