Faith, Love and Peace

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, 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 2:22-26, NASB)

The Bible portion above is from the Apostle Paul’s second letter to his son in the faith, Timothy.  Timothy was at Ephesus, trying to solve problems in the church there, and Paul wrote to give him advice.  Paul’s advice is sound for us Jesus-followers today! 

First, Paul tells Timothy to be mature.  Timothy was chronologically much younger than his mentor, but he most likely had responsibility far beyond his years.  Next, Paul tells us how we SHOULD act:  “Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”

Next, Paul gives us the characteristics that we servants of the Lord should have:  We “must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.”  Paul then explains why we should act this way:  People might respond positively, and come to the faith.  We must be gentle when we defend our faith, not bludgeon people with a sledgehammer.  When we speak with others about Jesus, we’re not out to win an argument, we’re merely planting seeds.  God will do the rest. 

Elsewhere, the Bible tells us that we should be ready to respond when someone asks about our faith.  Simply put, what has a personal relationship with Jesus meant for me?  Jesus has given me the freedom to know that I don’t have to worry about working to achieve my salvation, which is impossible to do.  Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ.  It’s God’s plan.  It’s nothing I’ve earned or I even deserve, but it’s because of Jesus.  In Him is my hope!