Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

Hebrews 5:11-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

James 3:1-2

Whose job is it to teach the word? What kind of a person does it take? Is every Christian cut out for the job of talking about the Bible or is it only the duty of some?

One thing is for sure, teaching correctly requires a certain level of commitment, patience and skill and, perhaps most importantly, patience and care for the one whom you are teaching. Even if we all strive to be able to answer any challenge to our belief and hold the Gospel message as the charge of every believer, we must first learn the heart of Jesus and imitate his kindness and care.

Ethan Kirl