2 Timothy 2:24-26 - Be kind to everyone

2.24

We have a habit of being totally non-confrontational, leading to us not addressing seriously enough issues that do require firm action, or to being utterly confrontational, never compromising. The latter will quickly lead to utter disharmony. Neither of these extremes is Biblical or helpful. In the Bible we find a much more balanced approach. One cannot read Paul’s writings without noticing that he was certainly prepared to confront people and issues when necessary, and instructed Timothy and Titus to do likewise. However, he also instructed them to be gentle, as here. They must not be quarrelsome. We must not be the sort of people who look for a fight and if we cannot find one will start one ourselves. Instead we must be “kind to everyone”. We must also be able to teach, not resentful. Controlling our emotions, not reacting to opposition, is important in enabling us to be effective teachers.

2:25,26

So the first approach to opponents is to gently instruct them, with the hope being that God will lead them to repentance and knowledge of the truth. If we flare up at the first hint of opposition we are addressing the issue with the flesh, and that will not lead to life. If instead we follow Paul’s guidance then we give room for the Holy Spirit to get involved. And note that it is not our job to lead people to repentance, but God’s. By gently instructing people we allow God to do that. Of course, there is no guarantee that that will happen. The person may continue to be stubborn and rebellious, but that is between them and God. A further point is that we sometimes make mistakes, and if we have not flared up in anger it is much easier to recover from any mistakes that we make. Note that false teachings and opposition to godly leadership are traps laid by the devil, and it is the opponent or false teacher who is falling into the trap.