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Building Bridges with Kindness and Gentle Instruction

October 8th, 2010

JOHN SHIRK – Many times, it is tempting to fight back when we are offended or to react in anger when someone gets argumentative with us.  But this is not what spiritual leaders are called to do in the face of a skeptical response. We need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.  We are not going to change anyone’s mind about Jesus.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Our job is to faithfully represent the Lord in our words, actions, and attitudes. 

Second Timothy 2:24 says, “the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.”

Do you notice here how kindness, gentleness and instruction are the bridge builders?  Quarreling and resentfulness are the bridge burners.  As we engage a skeptical world with the Gospel, we can keep the conversation going by approaching them in love rather than confronting them with an argumentative attitude.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com




  1. Alicia Roberts
    October 10th, 2010 at 02:03 | #1

    I think this is one of the hardest things we have to do in our daily lives. It is very difficult sometimes to remember that we need to be kind no matter what the situation. There are times when I look back at a situation and am really apalled at how I reacted to it. I think to myself “now is that what Jesus would have done?” And 99.9% of the time that answer is “NO!!!” This is something I think we continually have to remind ourselves of in all things that we encounter. Not an easy thing to do!!!!

  2. Dawn Herr
    October 11th, 2010 at 11:42 | #2

    Thank you John for sharing on your blog about building bridges. How easy it is to want to compromise and draw back but I am learning to STAND. He will give me strength beyond my own measures to carry out His plan. I will not understand but my part is to trust in Him.
    Be blessed!

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