In contrast with the quarrelsome striving forbidden by the Lord, the Spirit's positive instruction specifies that he be gentle toward all. One desirous of teaching others must master himself, with the Lord's help, so that he is affable and approachable, not sarcastic, irritable, or scornful. Such manifestations of pride deter learning, as would the beam in the eye. He must win souls by winning them to Christ, appealing to their hearts by his love for them. Until they trust him, they will not hear the words that he speaks.

The Lord's servant who would teach others must also be qualified or apt to teach. He should aim to be a teacher, not a controversialist, for that is his work given by Christ. That is not to say that he avoids controversial matters and never combats sin; he cannot serve Christ without doing so. On the other hand, his principal duty is to conduct himself as a humble teacher of men. The stress in this "apt to teach" is not on skill of instruction, but on attitude and manner that fit him to teach others. He must be the kind of man to whom others will draw near to learn the will of God.

Though he is ever the patient teacher, his listeners will not always value his counsel or appreciate his gentle manner. They will often scorn or ridicule him, as some did the Master in the first century. Abuse might be hurled at him, but he must be forbearing in such instances. Even when he suffers injuries, he must imitate his Master in his patience under provocation and hold up under the burden of evil heaped on him. Jesus did not revile His revilers or threaten them, turning the matter over to the Lord's providence (1 Pet. 2:21-23). Though the Lord's servant can certainly do worse, he will never do any better than the Lord in his humble denial of himself.

In meekness he must correct those in opposition. Here again there is humility in his mildness, instead of an assertion of self by dependence on carnal weaponry. He will treat those contradicting truth with courtesy and respect, as he would wish to be treated if he were in error. He will not boast of his knowledge or disparage the ignorance of the one being taught. Correction of those in error is the design of all his teaching. He does not desire their embarrassment, but their confidence; he does not seek their downfall, but their understanding. The teacher's disposition is inclined to promote the welfare of those being taught, not his own reputation or ego.

Finally he must allow God to work in people by means of His Word. Just as there is no replacement for the Word as the instrument employed by the Lord (Lk. 8:11; Eph. 6:17), so there is no substitute for allowing Him to accomplish His will. It is God who gives people repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, just as He gives the increase after the planting and watering. Humble acceptance of one's place in the divine scheme will let God work through the taught Word.