Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 2:24-25
Heavenly Father, the current political season in the USA makes this passage a timely heart-mirror. Living under a constant barrage of dismissive labeling and disrespectful name-calling, one-sided diatribe and one-liner sarcasm, it’s important to ask ourselves…
“Am I getting sucked into this grace-less, bile-full way of communication? Is this how I handle my concerns, communicate my convictions, and engage my neighbors? Am I becoming the quarrelsome and fretful person that makes life in a desert land attractive to others? (Prov. 21:19)
Father, forgive us when we lose sight of the main issues, fertilize our anger, and multiply our words. Forgive us when we let resentment trump reasonableness.
Show us the difference between righteous indignation and unrighteous irritation. Convict us quickly when we lose sight of the occupied throne of heaven, resulting in meager faith and much fear. We are the “Lord’s servants,” not our tribe’s savior.
You’re not calling us to be passive in the face of injustice, indifferent in the presence of evil, or blasé about corruption. But rather than us “turning over tables,” please “turn the tables” through us—as we love mercy, work for justice, and walk humbly with you (Micah 6:8).
Father, may your kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. So very Amen we pray, in the mercy-full and mighty name of Jesus.