2 Timothy

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Must not be quarrelsome. In case you don’t know what that means, here’s a few synonyms for you: irritable; argumentative; cantankerous; difficult; confrontational; and grouchy.

God doesn’t want us to be quarrelsome. Instead. we should be kind to everyone.

Everyone. That means people who disagree with us. That means people who worship differently than us. That means people who don’t think like us. That means everyone!

I’m so tired of seeing hateful, argumentative posts on FB by Christians who think that’s the way to win people to Jesus. This clearly says opponents must be gently instructed. And I’m sure that includes what we say on FB!

I pray that in 2024 each of us (especially me) will be kinder with our words and our actions. Think before we say something that could be hurtful to others. Think before we write words or post that meme on social media that will alienate nonbelievers.

John 13: 35 says, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Let’s be kind to each other.