READ 2 Timothy 2
Paul uses the metaphors of a soldier, athlete, farmer, and worker to encourage Timothy.

INSIGHT
In our hard-driving society, gentleness is almost a lost commodity. Not only is it rarely
honored, but it is also often thought of as being undesirable. Yet Paul instructs Timothy
that the “servant of the Lord must...be gentle” (v. 24) and that our gentleness may help
others repent from sin. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek (the gentle)” (Matthew 5:5).
Gentleness is not a word which suggests weakness or impotence. It is used of powerful
war horses who have been skillfully trained to instantly obey their masters. It is a word
which suggests power under complete control. It offers much.

PRAYER
The Lord is gentle with us, and for this we praise Him and try to be gentle toward others:
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
You righteous ones; shout for joy,
All you upright in heart (Psalm 32:11).

Rejoice in the  Lord, you righteous ones;
Praise from the upright is beautiful.  
Praise the Lord with the lyre;
Make music to him with a ten-stringed harp
(Psalm 33:1-2).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
We all went astray like sheep;  
We all have turned to our own way;
And the Lord has punished him
For the iniquity of us all
(Isaiah 53:6).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater passion for moral excellence
• Christian education institutions
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let all who seek you
Rejoice and be glad in you;
Let those who love your salvation
Continually say, “God is great! ”  
I am oppressed and needy;
Hurry to me, God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay (Psalm 70:4-5).