Hooked

 

"Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change their hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants." (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

We found this blue heron at Sanibel Island. If you look closely, the poor fellow has a fish hook caught in his mouth, and there's nothing he can do about it.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul said people who oppose the truth have been caught in a trap of the devil. So, he encouraged the young pastor to help ensnared souls get "unhooked" by being kind and patient, not quarreling, and gently instructing those doing the devil's bidding. 

Beloved, how do you respond to someone who opposed God's truth? Do you quarrel? Or do you treat them kindly, gently presenting truth so that perhaps God will change their heart and set them free?

Selah.