2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
The Greek word “strive” means: to war, to quarrel, dispute. We are, as servants of the Lord, commanded not to quarrel. We are called to be gentle to all, called to teach and be patient. Instead of quarreling, we are called, in meekness, to explain the truth to those that oppose us. It is so hard, as sinners, to meekly instruct things to those that oppose us. Our natural response to opposition is to quarrel instead of acting in humility. Quarreling doesn’t cause people to want to listen, but humility will draw attention. There is a right way and a wrong way to share the Gospel, and the Lord tells us in His word how to do it so that people will listen.