2 Timothy 2

In the great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also wood and clay, some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. I have certainly been a vessel of wood or clay with such a selfish and sinful beginning.

But now, praise God, you, father, have called me and cleansed me. By your grace and your word, I’m cleansed from the dishonorable use and set apart as holy, useful to my master, ready for every good work.

I flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. I have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies. I know they breed quarrels.

I am the Lord’s servant, and I must not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting opponents with gentleness, hoping that you, father, will grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. Hoping that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil after being captured to do his will.