A TENDER RESPONSE

A TENDER RESPONSE

2 TIMOTHY 2:24  A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all.

A Christian is to explain his faith “with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) — but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,). This indicates a tender and gracious spirit in speaking. The kind of fear we ought to have is a healthy devotion to God, a healthy regard for the truth, and a healthy respect for the person we’re talking to. That’s why you can’t be quarrelsome when defending your faith.

A Christian who can’t carefully, thoughtfully, reasonably, and biblically give a clear explanation for his faith will be insecure when faced with hostility and might be inclined to doubt his salvation. The enemy’s blows will devastate those who haven’t put on “the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV) — But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (121). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.