8 Mar, 2011

PC vs. Mac

Are you being Gentle?

My husband and I are looking at the necessity of buying a new computer soon.  Ours is getting old and slow, and so he decided to use the forum of Facebook to ask his friends, near and far, about their opinions in the big debate between PCs and Macs.  We already know many of the basic positives and negatives to each, but he wanted some fresh perspective from people who know us and not just general reviews by strangers.  There were a few genuine comparisons from both sides of the debate, but mostly what he got were sarcastic comments, like: “Launch them at the same time and you’ll know in about 15 seconds which one is better,” and “If you don’t know the answer to that, then you don’t deserve one.”  As much as I wanted to judge each product for itself, I instead found myself wanting one of them simply so I would not be associated with the people who owned the other.

 

2 Timothy 2:24-26

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, 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 do his will.”

What does God’s Story scripture teach us about gentleness?

This PC vs. Mac discussion made me wonder how we as Christians sound when asked genuine questions by unbelievers, or those seeking to know more about God.  The Bible tells us to present our case gently in the hopes that others will see and know the truth.  We are not to make assumptions, but give honest answers.  This passage tells us the reason for our gentleness is not to prove our point or make the unbeliever looks stupid, but the goal is so that they will come to their senses, repent, and no longer be a captive of the devil.  Gentleness does not equal weakness, but rather it indicates strength and control for the sake of this noble goal!

How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?

How is your attitude toward those who question your faith?  Are you defensive?  Are you sarcastic?  Do you need to stop, take a deep breath, and respond with gentleness and in truth?

How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?

Check your gentleness-meter.  When someone makes a sarcastic remark about Christians, or uses Jesus’ name in vain, have a gentle response prepared that you can remember to use in such a situation.  Their words, which may be anything from innocent to intentionally hurtful, can be used as an opening to the gospel and may be the beginning of the road to repentance, knowledge, truth, and freedom.

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