Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
2 Timothy 2:25 NIV
Knowledge of the Truth
According to the Government of Canada website, “Polar Knowledge Canada, simply known as POLAR, is responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic, strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology, and promoting the development and distribution of knowledge of other circumpolar regions, including Antarctica. POLAR operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station campus and conducts world-class cutting edge Arctic research out of this extraordinary facility.” This new federal organization combines the resources and knowledge of the former Canadian Polar Commission and the former Science and Technology program into one organization.
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The Christian faith has always had its share of antagonists. There have always been those who have opposed Jesus, from the very beginning of His ministry. In our day, with the opportunities that social media offers, they have a greater voice than ever before. How do we respond to those who oppose the One we love the most, and who mock all we believe and all that is sacred? Paul deals with this in his counsel to his friend and colleague in 2 Timothy 2:25: “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” Far too often as I read online debates between followers of Jesus and opponents of the truth, I see Christians responding with anger and vitriol. We need to understand what Paul is saying here – the goal is not to win the debate – it is to win their hearts, and them, to Jesus. We need to learn to gently instruct them, seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit as we do so. And we need to pray that He would touch their hearts.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley