Scripture

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

~2 Timothy 2:26, NLT

Quote

Everything changes when we see people as Christ sees them.

~Billy Graham

We are very familiar with Saul of Tarsus, a mean little man with a chip on his shoulder. He hated Jesus and the church. He even made a vow to destroy the church. Every believer in the region knew Saul and they feared him. They knew that he was an avid persecutor of believers and that he was very tenacious. Saul didn’t know what the word ‘quit’ meant. Then the LORD met with him on the road to Damascus and everything changed even his name. Before his encounter with Christ, he went by Saul his Hebrew name and it means big. After being converted, he went by Paul which was his Greek name and it means small. John Chrysostom believed Saul was dwarf size, a very short man with a very big ambition. We do know one thing for sure, people made light of his appearance. He was definitely not tall, dark and handsome. Had we known the Saul that Stephen knew, we would probably despise him. Jesus loved him even thought he was mean in spirit and mad with hatred. The LORD changed Saul and if He changed him, He can change anyone.

Matthew records this about Jesus: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus saw their lostness. He could see that they were wandering without purpose or direction. They were disoriented, confused and lost. Thus He had compassion on them. Peter said, “Gently instruct those of oppose the truth.” Those who oppose the truth are caught in a trap; the devil is holding them captive. Well if you know me, you also know that gentleness is not my strength and certainly not my default setting. I find it very difficult to pray for Biden and those like him. My attitude toward them is much closer to that of David, rather than the viewpoint of Jesus. There is only one way I can love the enemy and is grace. LORD help me pray for and love my enemies. Help me to speak the truth is love. Help me gently instruct and not berate and bash.

I heard a story a few years back about a female school principle. She had a way with young people. She never rebuked openly but would take the student aside and whisper gently in their ear. Her goal was never to embarrass or humiliate a student but to encourage them to do the right thing. She was the most beloved teacher in the entire system. All the students loved and respected her. What I would give for such a testimony!

Extra

June had her phone out last night and said, “Hey, they have changed the weather forecast. It is not going to be hot next week. She went to reading the daily forecast with tempts in the 50’s and 60’s,” and then suddenly she began laughing…she said, “oops, I am on the wrong city”. It was some city in Nova Scotia. Ty came running back in the house this morning saying, “Grandaddy, there is a snake in your drive way.” I said, “Kill it.” He said, “Dad said for you to come kill it.” It was an earthworm about four inches long. I picked it up and threw it in the grass. I thought you might need a little humor to start the day. TGIF

Pray for Gregg and Traci; they have had a very difficult week.

God bless you, thanks for reading the blog. Have a great weekend.