For
WE who CLAIM to love the Bible...
It
says a great many things. It constantly reveals how messed up WE are and how
good God is. It reveals that HE is holy, and without Him, we are
hopeless.
It
should be much read, and more lived.
Its
full counsel should be oft considered before being some quoted.
I
find many things that trouble me, and it's mostly not the things I don't agree
with others about, but the things I too often agree with myself about. In the
Scriptures, I am constantly challenged
...admonished
...humbled
...broken
...found unworthy and wholly needy.
But,
when I am reading God’s word, even in the issues I don't agree with others
about, I am careful to make sure it's not my preference that I feel is
violated, versus my adherence to truth. You see, I long to agree with God, and
I've come to understand it's not about me agreeing with you or you agreeing
with me, but us agreeing with God.
That's
a struggle. I recognize that it's a struggle. I confess it. Even when I know
what God says, I often struggle to make it a reality in my life.
So,
to my beloved brothers and sisters, when you find yourself loving the Bible and
disagreeing with someone else, consider the following (I've listed it in a few
translations and a couple paraphrases, so, perhaps, I'll find the one each of
you likes best)...
“correcting his opponents with gentleness. God
may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,” (2
Timothy 2:25 ESV)
“with
gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant
them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” (2 Timothy 2:25 NASB)
“In
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” (2 Timothy 2:25 KJV)
“instructing
his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading
them to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25 HCSB)
“Gently
instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's
hearts, and they will learn the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25 NLT)
“Be humble when you are trying to teach those
who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously
to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong
ideas and believe what is true.” (2 Timothy 2:25 TLB)
God
is right. About what? Yes. Everything.
May
we be gently instructed by Him, and may we wish the same for others. Be
blessed, beloved friends.
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