Not Violent

Not Violent

A person can also be quick-tempered, contentious, and violent in his ministry in the church. I have had occasion to observe a couple of people whose behavior was particularly glaring and striking, and I must say that it was very unbecoming; its effect was highly repugnant just as it was also inherently unrighteous.

Violence is the opposite of meekness and longsuffering; it is far from wisdom, from all righteousness and mercy.

It manifests itself in strong and unrestrained expressions, a lack of sobriety and thoughtfulness, and hasty judgments and actions. Therefore a violent man causes much harm even though he means well. He transgresses the limits left and right and inevitably interferes in other people’s rightful liberty.

Therefore Paul pointed out to Titus that a violent man should not be considered an overseer in any church.

It is therefore best to have an overseer who possesses all meekness, gentleness, and longsuffering toward all men—someone who is able to endure, suffer, and bear with everything and everyone without losing his composure, without growing weary.

May God raise up and equip many such overseers among us—to His honor and glory and for the church’s benefit! Amen.