a servant of the Lord must ….. be gentle … forbearing

In this quote from 2 Timothy 2:24, Paul is talking about how to deal with others with whom we are in disagreement. In this context to forbear, is to be patient or self-controlled when subject to annoyance or provocation. The NLT talks about being patient with difficult people, but who’s not difficult at times? I certainly can’t exclude myself!

We used to talk about “Grace builders,” you know those people God allows in your life who test your patience, and at times seemed to deliberately go out of their way to annoy you. These are the people that God uses to build grace, patience, endurance and the like. They test your humility, and at times like this you can feel as if you’re in the first grade in the school of maturity. Well do you know something? I have come to the conclusion this morning, that I have not arrived. Surprise!

I have also come to the conclusion, that I am a Grace builder in other people’s lives. The Bible puts it this way, “As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens man” (Proverbs 27:17). But this only works if, when we are at loggerheads with each other, we push through, submit to each other and allow God’s patience, grace and love to flow out to each other. And when we do this, we both win. Otherwise we both lose and the evil one wins!

Father, Hebrews 12:15 admonishes us not to fail to obtain Your grace in our dealings with each other. Since in many things we all fail (James 3:2), then we are many times in need of your grace. But your purpose in allowing these things, is that by obtaining your grace, we should shine as diamonds, as lights in this wicked and hurting world. And just as a chain is as strong as its weakest link, so it is in the situations being described here this morning, that we either shine or don’t shine. We need your help here Lord, I need your help and your grace and Your mercy in Jesus Name Amen