2 Timothy 2:23–26 ESV

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. [24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, [25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Obviously, Paul penned the words above after seeing a vision of the United States in the 21st century…or maybe not. Maybe people are always drawn to foolish, ignorant controversies. Maybe people have always become quarrelsome when they see what they perceive to be a lie.

God has chosen you, his servant, to be kind to people who are wrong. Teach them with patience. Endure their insults. Correct them with gentleness. Paul doesn’t say, “keep quiet.” He doesn’t say to ignore all manner of error. That’s because there are two types of lies which breed quarrels.

The first, is the foolish, ignorant lie. I’ve heard a few: microchips in vaccines, the earth is flat, and the United States government was behind 9/11. Have nothing to do with those. Even bringing them up here seems dangerous.

The second, far more dangerous lie is the one intended to hide evil. I am shocked, saddened, and angered by these lies. They flood the airwaves, go viral on TikTok, and infect the minds even of the people of God. When you come across these, and you will often, be kind. Correct those who are deceived with gentleness and love. Pray for them and for others like them. Be honest when you hear these lies from your own brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t stay quiet, but engage one another in humility. Satan wants to divide us. Our only hope at maintaining unity is to recognize his tricks and overcome them with kindness, patience, and gentleness. A call for unity is synonymous with a call for humility and prayer. I would encourage you to take some time in this moment to pray against the lies that surround us, to pray for brothers and sisters who don’t see the truth, and to pray for your own heart; that you would stay humble as you seek the truth. Perhaps God will lead all of us to a knowledge of the truth.