In Luke 15:11-24 we read of the story of two brothers. The younger son wanted his portion of his father's estate. He wished to go off to a distant land and have his own space. After a short time, he blew it all. The young man decided to go back home to seek his father's favour. His father, when he saw his son returning home, greeted him with open arms. There was dissension with his brother, for he had remained home all of this time and thought his father loved the wayward son more than him.
This passage reminds us of our relationship with one another. In our lives, when a loved one goes astray, we don't just stop loving them. Even when there is nothing we can do, we are called to trust God and let Him deal with the situation. We are to avoid ever hardening our hearts. In knowing we have done all we can, may they know they are never lost and always loved.
Luke 15:20b
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Correct others with gentleness
This is the real secret revealed to us in 2 Timothy 2 : 25. If we realize that another's beliefs or opinions may be leading them down a wayward path, or in a direction away from God, then we should approach that person in a gentle, non-rebuking spirit. If we approach them with a desire just to prove them wrong, then they will immediately become defensive and our chances of "redirecting" their path will be wiped away.
If we strive to do our best to abide by these guidelines, we can bring more peace and happiness into our lives and the lives of others. We will also be able "to present ourselves to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed".
2 Timothy 2:14-16,23-25a
Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.
(0669 09VIII2008)