As you seek to do the Lord's will, know that engaging in a 'contentious' spiritual debate is detrimental to the cause of Christ. Your demeanor may have more impact on the hearer than the Biblical truths you espouse ...
The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Not quarrelsome ... The Lord's servant must not be antagonistic. If you approach someone with the intent of winning an argument, setting a man straight, or proving him wrong ... you've missed the mark. You can be firm and unwavering without raising your voice or dominating the conversation.
Kind to all ... Speak with boldness the truth found in Jesus Christ's redemptive act, but do it with an attitude of meekness and humility. You are never to be harsh, abusive, overbearing, disrespectful, or thoughtless. There is to be a 'softness' in the authority given to you.
Skillful in teaching ... This refers to an ability to communicate effectively. The Gospel message must be delivered with compassion, for the Lord's desire is for man to experience repentance and restoration. And a teacher must be a careful student of the Word of God; skillfully dealing with facts, not feelings ... winning souls, not arguments.
Patient when wronged ... It is not easy to graciously accept an unjust personal attack. The servant of God must not allow his demeanor to be affected by the sudden 'lashing out' of an antagonist. A Christian doesn't harbor these things waiting for an opportunity to take revenge but instead is quick to forgive, forget, and move on.
Gently correcting ... 'Gentleness' is not shyness, weakness, or cowardice but a practical approach to ministering the truth: You can’t argue a person into the kingdom of God. You can’t insult them into becoming a Christian. You can’t intimidate them into accepting Christ as Savior. One must with love offer constructive help, based on and in accordance with the Word of God.
Spurgeon - We have here laid down, then, the duty of each Christian, too, and let us seek, in the Holy Spirit’s grace, to carry it out, being at once firm, and gentle, and loving of heart, and yet honest for the truth as it is in Jesus.
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
Your 'demeanor' plays an important part in your personal witness of Christ's gift of salvation. Time is short. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister God's grace through you so that the souls of men might be saved.
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