These days warrant kindness and compassion. There’s much angst and hatred being demonstrated throughout the world.
Tensions are extremely high and many have neared their boiling point. There’s much tinder that can easily be lit by the smallest fire or spark.
We may well be in the last days, and only God can fully comprehend what we are currently facing and the total impact of it all.
The Apostle Paul instructs his protégé, Timothy, how he must handle those who are quarrelsome and argumentative.
They are to be avoided, since these people are not open to hearing the truth found in Scripture. Their agenda is sadly designed to twist the truth and present worldly ideologies that promote selfish motives that are pleasing to the lust of the flesh.
But there are many who can be gently challenged to consider God’s Escape Plan from the wiles of this world.
In 2 Timothy 2:24-26 we read, “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 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, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will.”
As followers of Christ, we need to become the Lord’s servants/vessels/instruments and therefore take into account these words of Paul to Timothy, which also are for our instruction.
Yes, there may well be opportunities to occasionally meet with some of those who adamantly oppose Christ. As He softens their hearts, then we can gently and compassionately discuss the healing that can take place in their lives.
Listen to these words of instruction from the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3:15-17:
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
This brash fisherman turned evangelist spoke these words from the Heart of Christ!
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can all be used by God to convey the Good News to many still unconvinced that Jesus Christ is not just the only Son of God, but also their only hope in their seemingly hopeless existence.
Time may be short, but we must simply watch for signs of His imminent return and every opportunity He puts before us to share the love of Christ.
In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul challenges us to action:
“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”
God wants us to be a “living sacrifice” — available in ways and manners we have yet to consider in the lives of those He will place in our path for His glory.
Consider it an honor to be available for service in these last days!