"Gentleness" is an important Christian virtue – yet I wonder if it’s one we overlook? Perhaps, it's just me but I don't see or experience much gentleness in the world. When I do see it, it somewhat stops me in my tracks for a moment and I think to myself, "Wow, that/they were so gentle." I believe it gets the attention of God too.
Take a look at all these scriptures:
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another …
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Corinthians 10:1 – Paul says that he appeals to them with the meekness and gentleness of Christ
1 Timothy 3:3 – requires that elders in the church be “Not violent but gentle”
1 Timothy 6:11 – But as for you, O man of God…Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Paul gives an image of how gentleness characterized his ministry when he says that among them they were “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” I doubt that there exists a more suitable image of “gentleness” than that.
2 Timothy 2:25 – instructs us to correct even our opponents with gentleness.
Titus 3:2 – tells us “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Philippians 4:5 – “let your gentleness be evident to all” – why gentleness of all things?
Matthew 5:5 – In Jesus’ list of beatitudes – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another …
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Corinthians 10:1 – Paul says that he appeals to them with the meekness and gentleness of Christ
1 Timothy 3:3 – requires that elders in the church be “Not violent but gentle”
1 Timothy 6:11 – But as for you, O man of God…Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Paul gives an image of how gentleness characterized his ministry when he says that among them they were “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” I doubt that there exists a more suitable image of “gentleness” than that.
2 Timothy 2:25 – instructs us to correct even our opponents with gentleness.
Titus 3:2 – tells us “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Philippians 4:5 – “let your gentleness be evident to all” – why gentleness of all things?
Matthew 5:5 – In Jesus’ list of beatitudes – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
I shared a lot of scripture with you today, because I feel like scripture tells things with life infused words. As children of God, we need to display this virtue to the elderly, who are tired of the roughness of life, the weariness, of the curse. To the teenagers, that are trying to adult in a mind and body, that hasn't been here long enough, to truly know how things work. Remember, it wasn't so long ago we held them in our arms, and rocked them to sleep. Gentleness, to those caught up in the whirlwind of life. They are trying to make a living, keep their marriages working, raise a family, buy a home, and all the things we as humans try to do, that steals our gentleness.
Satan came to steal, kill and destroy but he does it, oh so sly, in the way in which he does it. An angry moment. A tired body. An unmet need. A hungry tummy. All these singled out, standing alone, we can handle them. But, put them all together and we loose many of the manifestations, or facets, of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Satan came to steal, kill and destroy but he does it, oh so sly, in the way in which he does it. An angry moment. A tired body. An unmet need. A hungry tummy. All these singled out, standing alone, we can handle them. But, put them all together and we loose many of the manifestations, or facets, of the Fruit of the Spirit.
I read book called, "The Calvary Road", by Roy Hession. He penned a word picture that is forever etched in my mind. He said, Jesus walked in such a way that a Dove felt safe to land on His shoulder." Then Roy asked, "Are we so gentle that a Dove could land on our shoulder and our daily life and mannerisms not frighten it away?
ACTION STEP: Today, breathe. Just breathe. Take a moment, to just take in the beauty around you. Stop and watch, the small child at play. Stop and watch, the flock of birds guide through the sky. Stop and remember, why you married that spouse. Stop, and let the hardness of life go, and take in the gentleness that Jesus died for, that we might possess. Let gentleness be your word for the day. Ask God to help you be gentle, and He will.
If you do not have a local church you attend I invite you to http://restorationchurchintl.org/
You can come to our physical location or watch us by live stream tonight at 7PM.
Women if you are in need of fellowship with other christian women and would allow me the privilege of filling in what you may be lacking or just want to get the tools to raise kings (because that's who Jesus is coming back for), then you can register today: http://restorationchurchintl.org/women-of-witness
Once you fill out the application, I will send you a code to register, pick out your T-Shirt size and you are ready to go! I will prayerfully, see you there.
If you do not have a local church you attend I invite you to http://restorationchurchintl.org/
You can come to our physical location or watch us by live stream tonight at 7PM.
Women if you are in need of fellowship with other christian women and would allow me the privilege of filling in what you may be lacking or just want to get the tools to raise kings (because that's who Jesus is coming back for), then you can register today: http://restorationchurchintl.org/women-of-witness
Once you fill out the application, I will send you a code to register, pick out your T-Shirt size and you are ready to go! I will prayerfully, see you there.
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