So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

– 2 Timothy 2:22-26 (ESV)

I was reminded of this passage by someone who providentially, I believe, posted it on another blog.

My first thought was to say that this would make a great manifesto for the God-blogosphere!

But, on second thought, perhaps this should be something that I start with in my own life first. I haven’t always lived up to this. I’ve lost my temper online (even recently) and have said things that either I shouldn’t have said or that I should have said but perhaps in a more kindly way. Kindness, patience and gentleness are not feminine traits that we men should be ashamed of. They are part of the very character of God. They are a high standard. They are traits of great power! They communicate the revolutionary love of Christ and they infiltrate the world’s jungle with light and grace.

May I pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.