Gentle Persuasion

The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Read 2 Timothy 2 in the Message. When you get to 2 Timothy 2:24-26, it says…God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. To be persuasive we must be gentle listeners. We can’t just speak our own minds and expect others to listen to us and be persuaded to believe as we do—we have to listen to their point of view, too. Can you do that?

Training Tip – Spend some time today with each of your children, one on one. Listen to what they have to say—to what is on their heart and mind. Show them that you listen to them by using active listen techniques—repeating back to them what they have just said…and asking if that is what they said, if necessary. Before your time together is over share with them just one thing that is your hope for them. Give them a hug and let them know that you love them for who they are.

Lord God, may we come to our senses and escape from the snare of the devil. We want to be held captive by You and do Your will and not that of the devil. Guide and protect our children and grandchildren that  they would seek You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.