FBC Daily Devotions

RESPONDING TO THE QUARRELER

Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Rather than have a quarreling kind of character, Paul calls Timothy to be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged, and correcting those in opposition. Let’s look at these more closely…

Before starting, though, we need to remember the context of this passage. These qualities that Paul mentions are directed toward our relationship with those who love to speculate on ultimately needless matters. They love to raise controversy… dangerous controversy. How are we to respond to these kinds of people?

Kindness sets the tone for our interactions. We are to be kind… to EVERYONE. That includes those who are annoying and quarrelsome. When we come face to face with a quarrelsome person, reacting in kindness does not come naturally for many us. Some people feel attacked, so they put up defenses, and if the matter continues for more than a few exchanges, they mount an attack. Fearful of getting into a debate, some people ignore quarrelsome people or run away to avoid getting trapped. It’s the age old fight or flight response.

But we are called to respond with kindness. What does that mean? Being kind literally means in the Greek “to follow, as denoting one who readily follows the will of another and is ready to do what he desires or wants.” It denotes mildness and an easy-going disposition. Does that mean we should always give in? Are we to give in to “foolish and ignorant speculations”? Of course not. In this context, being kind is really more of an attitude than waving a white flag of surrender. Being kind actually means coming alongside with an attitude of understanding, but then following up with correction. That is why Paul follows up with “able to teach”, “being patient”, and “correcting those in opposition.” There is a sense that Timothy, as the leader of the church, was not to completely disassociate with these people, but instead, give them a chance to learn the truth. Walk them through the controversy, perhaps even show how meaningless it was, and guide these individuals along the right path. Far from quarrelsome or quiet disregard, he was to engage in healthy correction full of kindness.

The reason for the gentle correction? It was so that they might repent, know the truth, come to their senses, and escape the grasp of the devil. Indeed, this is the heart of a bond-servant of God to reach out to the one imprisoned in false thinking (v. 24).

To consider: How do you respond to those who are quarrelsome? Do you respond with kind instruction and gentle correction? There are many ways to apply the principles from this passage. How might you apply them to your children? Those you work with? Your family? Your church family?  

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Questions for Home Groups

1) How do you typically respond to someone who wants to stir up controversy?

2) If you knew a brother or sister in Christ with a quarrelsome spirit, how would you deal with them based on this passage?

3) Read 2 John 1:7, 10. How do you reconcile this passage with Paul’s instruction to Timothy?