Teaching others

It has been a recent prayer to have a kinder, gentler spirit.  The inclination of this believer is impatience to others who simply are ignorant and unlearned in things of the Lord. 

    The following is what the Spirit gave me this morning from II Tim 2.19-26.  

    {The child seen in the photos at right should be how you see EVERY one you feel is put in          your path for spiritual or practical instruction.}

   

The Lord knoweth them that are His. AND, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (vs 19)

• Sanctified...for the Master's use, (thus) prepared unto every good work. (vs 21)
• Avoiding foolish and unlearned questions (that help no one) (vs 23) - learned from another believer is the tact that if one does not accept the premise of the question, then "avoid" it! No need to answer comments or statements that have no truthful or factual basis.  This is not arrogant, it is wise.
• Very clearly, the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive (have a quarrelsome, "I'm right, your wrong" spirit; but be gentle unto all, (have a teaching attitude),  patient (vs 24)
• (Meekly) instructing those that oppose themselves (unbelievers, basically) (vs 25)

The question(s) to ask oneself when reaching for this kinder, gentler spirit would be:

1. Am I gentle in dealing with others who are younger or just blind to truth?
2. When instructing do I use a "teachable" attitude rather than "I'm right and your wrong?" 
3. Do I indicate there was a time I didn't understand such truth and meekly explain as the Lord leads?
4. Is patience or impatience exercised that would guide "why can't you see this truth?"

The larger principle to utilizing the instructions above, in my mind at least, is realizing unbelievers, young or old, ARE blind to such truths.  If I am to be "a servant" to Him, the first order of business is to remain "clean and unspotted" (Jms 1.27) as much as possible from this world. (v 19, 21) However, IF patience, meekness and humbleness are in evidence when explaining a truth the Lord has impressed, I believe at some point, the seed is planted and will take root.  How often am I reminded of things other believers, saints, preachers, friends have said in days gone by, that encourage and help me go "farther on?"  

Patience is key.

Thank you, Lord for answering this prayer.  Amen  Ps 57.7