GENTLENESS – ONLY FOR THE STRONG
It’s been interesting to me to observe various individuals during this season of the pandemic and managing the death rater, the restrictions in the community and the impact on local economies. They come in all stripes don’t they? – political leaders, community activists, health officials, We see the humility and kindness of some and then there are those others who seem to need to push and shove their agenda on others.
Strong people with a true sense of their identity are often the gentlest souls around. They don’t have to pretend to have courage in loud aggressive ways because they are confident in who they are and what they believe. They know themselves to be imperfect and so they graciously make allowances for the faults of others. They know they are learning and growing, and they make space for others to do the same.
The Bible says:
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:1, 15:4
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other,
making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Ephesians 4:2
Today, let’s pray for ourselves and our leaders to be gentle people – full of truth but full of compassion and generosity of spirit. Let’s pray
Heavenly Father, thank you that You have made all of us to operate best in a climate of gentleness and compassion. We know we thrive in it ourselves and we pray that You will help us to become those who can provide the same for others.
Lord, we want to live so secure in You that we don’t have to fight on every point. The truth is the truth and living as pleasant and generous people, even while we disagree with others is Your way. How long have You been kind to us as You invited us away from bad attitudes and stupid behaviours. We need to learn from Your way. We need Your Spirit to work in us so we can give the same kind and tender spirit to others.
Help us to be those who are consistent in all we say. We don’t want to be those who have to try to build themselves up by saying one thing to a person’s face and then something else behind their backs. We want to be genuine people of integrity. And whatever the response of others around us – whether they admire our spirit or think we are weak, help us to be full of self control and patience with everyone.
They [leaders] must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Titus 3:2
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
James 3:17
We don’t want to be those who quarrel but to have genuine humility so that we hear and respond kindly to the opinions of everyone. Help us to have Your wisdom that is pure, peace loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy and good deeds Help us to leave behind harshness, super-sensitivity, sarcasm, and insincerity behind, and enter into a life of harmony with Your way – the way that promotes gentleness in all our dealings with others.
Heavenly Father, We want to grow in Your grace and become known as a person who has a tender heart, a humble spirit, and all the patience that’s necessary. We need Your help, for sure to live this today. Amen
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