And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. – 2 Timothy 2:24-26
What’s the difference between acting in your self-interest or selfishly? Actually there is a big difference. We have all seen undisciplined children and adults. Most children prefer to eat what they want, sleep when they want and act in whatever way they please when they please to do so. Many adults are no better. We must be trained to act in a way that is contrary to our innate selfishness. However, such training is in our self-interest.
When we continue to rebel against God, kicking against the pricks as did Paul before his conversion, we find the way hard going. The Christian life requires humility and submission, two often unpopular ideas. However to do otherwise means that we are in fact opposed to our own self-interest. With God is righteousness, peace and joy while our natural way is full of sin, strife, and grief. No matter how hard we try, we cannot make evil good.
As you consider the people in your life today, is anyone opposed to themselves? Be gentle to such a one. Show them the truth in love remembering that such were some of you. If God shows them the truth and they respond in repentance, He will in no wise cast them out.