Hello Advent Family,

Are there people in your life that you can’t seem to see eye to eye with?  In Paul’s letter to Timothy he addresses this very issue.  There was much debating and arguing, disputes and conflicts going on in the church and community.  Paul had an answer for them.  Let’s look together at what he says in I Timothy 2.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Paul’s answer is for them to pray.  He even encourages them to pray together without being angry or disputing.  Can you imagine stopping an argument to pray?  I suspect your attitude would change pretty quickly.  It is hard to be mad at someone while praying with them.  Paul also says to pray for our leaders and those in authority.  We may disagree with them or their decisions but we are told to pray for them.  Again, it changes your attitude and mindset when you pray for someone you disagree with.  May we all be a people of love and of prayer.  The next time you find yourself disagreeing or criticizing someone take a moment and pray for them  you probably won’t change your opinion but you most likely will change you attitude and perspective.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave