Those Who Are Opposed

6.26.2011

2 Timothy 2:25 25 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... NIV

For others that we know or come into contact with, what more could we want for them than to receive repentance from God and a knowledge of the truth? From ancient times the largest battle ever fought on earth with the most victories and casualties has been the Truth War. From the beginning truth has been at risk from the attack of deception; which makes me think about the power of deception in heaven itself where a third of the angels bought the satanic lie that God doesn’t know what He’s doing (Cf. Revelation 12; Jude 6 &c).

The truth has always been oppressed by those who say God is not sufficient. The truth has always been suppressed by those who refuse it. God must be way different than we think Him to be – He sure does things way different than we expect Him to… And so, to many, God is confusing; and so they reason He is lacking because to them He’s confusing. Confusion often leads to frustration and frustration leads to giving up. And it is to those who’ve given up, who’ve bought the lie and who oppose God and the concept of true truth, that the man (or woman) of God must gently, persistently, and persuasively present their case. But just because the godly present it gently doesn’t mean it will be received gently – or kindly – or readily.

I admit I sometimes struggle with being intimidated by opposition; then I get rattled and defensive and feel the only way to win is with righteous indignation and a raised voice. Those who are opposed aren’t impressed. And those who are opposed will bait and taunt because that is their only line of defense. Gentleness is such a gift from the Holy Spirit and such a weapon in the truth war. And gentleness comes from confidence in the message and the love of the Lord, who never retaliated nor was harsh with the sinner. The Lord was only ever harsh with the self-righteous.

Father in Heaven,
Your calling on me is to be like You – humble, gentle, and serving. I pray for the spiritual strength necessary to gently instruct those who oppose me, knowing that the battle isn’t mine but Yours and when You send me to Nineveh (or those who oppose You) I am to go gently and lovingly and leave all of the results up to You! Amen.