How do we know that a pastor should not be contentious?
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Scripture teaches that a pastor must be gentle and not contentious to reflect Christ's nature.
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul instructs that a pastor must not be a quarrelsome person, but rather gentle. This reflects the character of Jesus Christ, who exemplified gentleness and kindness throughout His ministry. For instance, the Lord's approach to sinners, as seen in the story of the woman caught in adultery, showcases how He offered grace rather than condemnation. Thus, pastors should embody this attribute, showing a posture of love and kindness that invites reconciliation rather than fostering conflict. The call to gentleness is fundamentally about reflecting God's character to the world and within the church.
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