24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.
I've been spending a lot of time lately thinking about this verse. In context, the "opponents" Paul is referring to are likely unbelievers (see v. 26). However, I don't know about you, but in the day-to-day life of this American disciple, more often than not the opposition I face is from others who also claim the name of Christ. Paul tells us to be gentle with everyone, and to instruct with gentleness. What does this look like? When you have a word of correction you need to give to a brother or sister, how do you do this with gentleness?
As I pondered this idea, God brought to my mind five elements that I believe are key. There may be more, and if He gives me more I may update this later. But for now, I think this is a sufficient framework to start with. These are the five elements to consider:
- Is your message true?
- Is your method appropriate for the nature of the message?
- Is your mindset appropriate regarding the source of this message you have to deliver?
- Is your motivation to share the message born out of love for your brother or sister?
- Is it the right moment in your relationship with that person to offer this word of teaching or correction?
I will share my thoughts on each of these elements in the coming days.
If you haven't read it already, my post on Tact vs. Gentleness will give you some background as to how I got started down this path.
Update: 5/1/2013 I have finished this series. My final thoughts on this are here.
If you haven't read it already, my post on Tact vs. Gentleness will give you some background as to how I got started down this path.
Update: 5/1/2013 I have finished this series. My final thoughts on this are here.
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