The Bible tells us "There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good". 2 Timothy 3:1-3 Does that describe our world today? When you begin your week, look around. Do you see people who exhibit love, show forgiveness, are confidantes, are non-indulgent & who express kindness? There are some wonderful people, it is true, but when I look at our world I see a great need for gentleness. People are hurting and struggling and unfortunately most people don't care and harshness is running rampant. People are talking ugly about others (Titus 3:2 "to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."), people hold others to a much higher standard than they do themselves, peoples' primary focus is on their own needs, and unfortunately some people are eager to attack (2 Timothy 2:24 "And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."). If you don't believe me, get out on the roads, turn on your television or go to a ball game. You will see gentleness is lost! Please know as I write this I am reminded of the scripture Matthew 7:3-5 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." I promise as I write this, I will look in the mirror too.
This life seems to require a fight some days and there doesn't seem to be room for gentleness. We all are striving for self-preservation. We look for ways to find protection & strength. We begin to say things about other people - to build ourselves up or go along with the crowd. We fail to show love to others and build walls around us so no one can hurt us. We seek to have our way and we think we win/when most of the time we don't - remember that great quote that Gloria told Billy in the movie White Men Can't Jump, "sometimes when you win, you really lose." We want control and struggle with handing our circumstances to God. We lack forgiveness; we think if we forgive someone it makes their actions acceptable (we all need forgiveness).
Gentleness means considerate, kindly in disposition; amiable, tender, not harsh or severe; mild and soft: With gentleness in our spirit, we can take a breath, calm down, give more of ourselves & hopefully diffuse some of the cruelty in this world. I find it interesting a trait with the definition of tender, mild & soft requires the greatest strength. Think about it though. If you are frustrated, it comes very natural and easy to explode, attack others & kick into our protective mode. However, it takes a great deal more will power to stop yourself, control your tongue, control your actions and seek to mirror Christ and adopt a gentle spirit. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus (who possesses all power) says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Biblical scholar William Edwin Vine said, "It seems that real gentleness is the mark of a secure and selfless heart, ruled by the character of Jesus Christ." Ephesians 4:1-2 "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Colossians 3:12-13 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 1 Peter 3:4 " Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." The Bible speaks repeatedly of possessing a gentle spirit. This spirit isn't of ourselves but is a gift of God. When you accept Christ to become your Savior, Lord and Friend, you are given the Holy Spirit in your heart. Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." It is there where your heart becomes transformed and renewed to mirror the heart of Christ. Ephesians 4:22-23 "to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. " Colossians 3:10 "and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Philippians 2:5 " In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." Every day we start new and every day is a challenge to maintain the gentleness we see in the spirit of Christ. Galatians 5:16 " So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Christian Quote On Gentleness:
“I choose gentleness… Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. ”— Max Lucado
No comments:
Post a Comment