2 Timothy 4:9-22
Reflect
Paul has written on some profound life-altering wisdom, and now he gets so…well…very practical. I love the ordinariness of the close of this letter. Grab my coat and my books, take out the garbage, empty your bladder, fill up your water bottle (ok, some of those may have been from me).
Paul also said that as long as it depends upon us, be at peace with all people (Rom.12:18). He understands peacemaking often requires working through conflict. There are toxic people that will be a challenge to our well-intentioned motives.
Conflict will often strain our relationships. Rare is the person that has positive conflict experiences. The downward spiral goes, transgression, perception, emotion (these may not be sinful), rumination, unforgiveness, brokenness (these need to be confessed).
Learning how to be a peacemaker is virtually impossible in the heat of the moment. I urge you to take steps in learning how to have the courage to not avoid conflict as an opportunity to enhance your peacemaking calling.
Having wisdom in relationships and being a Spirit-empowered peacemaker are tightly connected. Like Siamese twins, yes, they are different; however, one will not exist without the other.
If you were mentioned at the end of someone’s letter, how would you be written about?
Who is God calling you to come alongside of with what they need in life?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.