And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. – 2 Timothy 2:24
With the words of our mouth we can greatly transgress or speak words that bring hope, life and encouragement. We are to be servants of God who submit our faculties, mind, body, tongue, spirit to the Lord for his use. The wise men holds his tongue at times and considers before speaking. In this society we are rushed to give answers and one must practice the discipline of not speaking at times and simply to listen. We all fail much in this area and the Lord is gracious to want our words to be meaningful, full of life to others. When we speak with guile or anger we cause ourselves spiritual harm. When we choose as the Apostle Paul says to exhibit kindness and gentleness we not only turn away anger but give an opportunity to teach the true doctrine of God through our life.
Those who are not only Deacons or Overseers but any child of God must seek not to quarrel and argue. St. Pimen said: “Depart from every man who loves to quarrel.” To listen to his words will cause you to sin or encourage his sin. If most believers sought such wisdom from above to peacefully depart from arguments, many of satans devices would be nullified. Lastly, the Apostle gives the command to not be resentful. It is very easy to become angry and bitter when we are mistreated by others especially in the Church. When we are treated unfairly it is very hurtful especially from other members of the family of God. One that has resentment cannot help others for they have a beam in their own eyes and cannot see clearly through hurt and pain. This is one reason that Overseers must be able to give all such hurts to the Lord immediately so that they can still help those who need it. As the next verse again states to be “gently instructed” (2 Timothy 2:25) with the great hope and belief that it will help the unbeliever or even believer entrapped by the devil. Exhibiting kindness to everyone is not a lukewarm action but rather one of the most spiritual things we can do. The Good News of Jesus Christ will impact the most when we truly offer it freely with grace to those who need it.
