2 Timothy 2:23-26
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Who's will are you doing?
I believe most families and friends have had the unfortunate experience of what Paul is talking about above. Our emotions can be such a stumbling block and the Devil knows just how to use them. Often we regret our words and actions but then that ugly thing called PRIDE rears its ugly head and keeps us from the healing gift of humility in ourselves.
Do you have a problem saying you are sorry to others? We all, being imperfect sinners have used these words to people - our spouses, children, friends, strangers.....the words and most importantly the heart and sincerity that has to accompany them are vital to each relationship we have.
Why is it so vital to be able to humbly say you are sorry?
Think about the most important relationship in your life.....I pray that it is the relationship with your Heavenly Father. Now, think about how that began....it begins by being born again. Dying to self. You cannot die to self without complete humility and surrendering all control and power over others and yourself. In order to do this you repent......you are sorry, sorrowfully sorry for the sins and mistakes you have made. There is no room for pride.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b]
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
I want to encourage you to be humble, to pray for that humble, gentle spirit that is not easily ensnared by the Devil and his schemes to destroy relationships that may build, and encourage and strengthen the body of Christs Church here on earth.
Lay it all down....all pride, arrogance, haughtiness, control...and show love to one another.
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