Lord Help Me

DEVOTION
2 TIMOTHY
LORD HELP ME
2 Tim 2:23-26
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
NIV
I think I have failed at this all too often. Maybe I mistake the passion I have for the word and the truth of God and just get into stupid arguments. I certainly try to be gentle, but my passion overtakes my gentleness. I think I get so frustrated with those who oppose the truth of God I forget to be gentle and instruct in a quite manner, hoping beyond all hope they will open their minds and hearts. But I fear they are so narrow minded, so closed minded, blinded by their own ideas, they will never see the truth. I do not know if they will ever come to their senses about the truth of God. It does require admittance of being a sinner, and unable to attain any true peace, without God. But why do I have to get so passionate in my discussions with them? Why do I have to get overbearing, trying to argue with them about the truth? I need more restraint in my passion. I need a softer voice, a lower tone, a gentler spirit in my interactions with those who oppose the truth of God. Are their times I should just shake the dust off me sandals? Maybe, but I hate to leave them in the lost condition they are in. I know God can reach them in other ways other than me, but I am here, I am with them, I am his instrument, and I should be spreading this truth, helping others to see his grace for their lives. I should be able to lead them to the knowledge of the truth. True, they have all sort of excuses, and sometimes the ones closet to me use my passion and what appears to be an argumentative attitude as a poor example of Christ. That is just so unfair. Jesus became passionate about situations which offended his Father, why can’t I? Yet the truth remains, if they are not serving God, than they are serving the devil, in his trap, captive to the lies and deceptions he has filled their hearts and minds with. I need more of his Spirit when I am dealing with them. I need to be more aware of my own behaviors, my own demeanor and seek the Spirit for the right words which might break them free from their chains. Yet my battle is not one of flesh and blood, but of the spirit. Their bondage is spiritual, although manifested in the flesh. Although I am in the flesh as well, I must speak in the spirit, commanding the devil to abandon his grip on their soul. Lord, help me.