March 4, 2025 - 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭26

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 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 2:24-26 NLT

Jesus, make us more like you. We want to be servants who are gentle and kind to everyone. Whether it is a stranger, an enemy, or those closest to us, help us see them with your eyes. Help us learn to walk humbly and not always have to win or have our way. Seldomly is quarreling with someone the way to win them over to our point of view. Give us your insight and wisdom on how to address things in a way that deescalates situations, instead of adding fuel to a volatile situation. You had an amazing way of dealing with precarious situations that not only calmed things down, but brought insight, instruction, and/or correction to those ready to hear it.

When we look at how you interacted with your followers, you didn’t shy away from correcting them or speaking really hard truths to them. Sometimes your words of correction seem harsh, but knowing your character, we know even the harsh words were surrounded by such love. Help us learn to love people the way you love them. Make us willing to teach your truth with love, in a way that it can be heard and understood. Remind us to always pray for the freedom of those that the devil is holding captive. So much of the battles we face are more of a spiritual battle than a physical, and prayer is essential for seeing victory. Let all our actions be about glorifying you, loving people the way you love them, and using your wisdom and guidance to share your truth.

In Jesus name, amen.