GENTLE PATIENT TEACHING

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 2 Timothy 1-2

     For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

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     When Timothy took on the pastorate of the church at Ephesus there were already false teachers at work. Paul speaks of two men in particular “who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2:18) But he encourages Timothy to stand fast to what he has been taught, in spite of the fact that some have followed these men. Paul continues, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His...” (2:19)

     Paul urges Timothy to join him in willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ and to “Flee also youthful lusts; and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2:22)
     Citing his own example he says, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."(1:12)

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     Lord, it is such a comfort that You know those who are yours. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone in regard to the truth of Scripture. Help me to be gentle in presenting the gospel and the truth of the resurrection.

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     And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.     2 Timothy 2:24-25  NKJV

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

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THE GREATEST IS LOVE

Read 1 Corinthians 13

     If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.    1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

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     After a discussion in chapter 12 about the various spiritual gifts, and a call for unity in exercising those gifts, Paul says, “…But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (those that edify and build up the body) And now I will show you the most excellent way...” (12:31)

     No matter what gift or talent God has bestowed upon you, it is worth nothing if not exercised in love ─ and this, writes Paul, is what love looks like:   
    "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (13:4-7)

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     Lord, this is a tall order for anyone, but absolutely necessary in our relationships with other believers. Obviously, those early churches had to struggle with their issues just as we do today. Love certainly requires forgiveness and humility. Help me to "keep no record of wrongs."

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     "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."    1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV