“He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness.” (v. 2)

A word about pastors:

Very few of the scriptural qualifications for pastors are “job” related. In fact, it might be just one: he must be able to teach (cf. 1 Tim. 3). The scriptural qualifications, when you get into them, are almost all character concerns.

And among them is this: dealing gently with sinners. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t lead people into conviction of sin, under the authority of the Word. It does mean, however, that he ought to be a grace-giver, and grace-shower, and a grace-modeler as he does it. He himself is a sinner in meed of grace, so he ought to deal gently with sinners, while showing them the way home.

While we’re on the subject, church:

Remember that the man is clothed in weakness. Remember that he is as Christ-dependent as anyone else, and that his inadequacy will occasionally be on full display. Remember that he needs a people who will deal gently with him, too, as he gives himself to them.

Let’s live up to these character callings—together.

— Tyler