Concern Or Conflict

"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."     
(2 Timothy 2:23-26) How many arguments have we had with people? Too many to count? Time after time we have disagreements with people. It is apart of life. The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy as a young Christian leader, to not be an argumentative person. He is not to be quarrelsome, but show kindness, and patience, and gentleness. Just because people can be difficult to deal with, does not mean that we give up teaching them. If we give up on them, then the devil gains a foothold in their lives. It is a battle we are engaged in already, between us as spiritual leaders, and Satan our enemy. Our best defense is our constant love for the people who are under our care, even if some of them do not agree with us, and challenge our doctrinal position, and teaching from the Bible. Love and concern for those in our care should always be the priority, instead of constantly focusing on ourselves. The devil is hoping we will do this, so He can capture the sheep under our care, and have them do his will. GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 08 October 2013 Stock photo - Image ID: 100206611 www.freedigitalphotos.net