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gently instructing opponents

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (JDV)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, care, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they produce fights.
2 Timothy 2:24 The Lord’s servant must not fight, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,
2 Timothy 2:25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 2:26 and recapture his senses from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his preference.

gently instructing opponents

Paul tells Timothy not to try to get into fights with people over foolish and ignorant disputes. Fighting does not accomplish the Lord’s will. In fact, in spiritual matters, fighting is proof that one has already been taken captive by the devil to do his preference.

Back up, breath in, breath out. Approach differences not as an adversary, but as a concerned friend. If they can be ignored, ignore them. If they must be addressed, do so not as a combatant. Doing the Lord’s will is more important than winning an argument.

Lord, teach us how to gently instruct our opponents.