GENTLENESS

"Gentle words bring life and health..."  ~Proverbs 15:4a

Thank you for a wonderful discussion on Gentleness, ladies.  I was excited before I got there and filled to overflowing when I left.

We found 'gentleness' in several passages of the Bible, including the Proverbs verse at the top.  Along with 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, we read Proverbs 15:1 and 15:4;  Philippians 4:4-9; and 1 Peter 3:13-16.  In each passage we see another way God is gentle with us and how we can be gentle with our friends, family, our Christian family and non-Christians. 

1 Thessalonians spoke to how we can and should be gentle in our evangelism.  No one likes religion shoved in their face!  But when we live and love our faith, encourage and guide others with gentleness, the Word of the Lord will be spread.  We agreed that gentleness rubs-off on one another.  When we are gentle, even with a seemingly gruff person, their attitude softens, their deep hidden kindness surfaces and it is a delight to witness.  Imagine a Gentle Revolution!

1 Peter pointed to the idea that we all have our own unique way of being gentle.  When I think of the word gentle the image of a fuzzy bunny comes to mind.  It's kind of funny, but a bunny is soft to the touch, quiet and leaves little trace of itself in the grass after it hops away.  We shared with the group, people in our lives whom we think of as gentle: a soft spoken mom & wife, an honest leader in the church.  In 1 Peter and our discussion we discovered that "gentle" does not always equal "fuzzy bunny".  It also means being honest, encouraging, not demanding of others time, resources & admiration, guiding.  Each of us has our own unique style of being gentle! 

Like all the Fruit of the Spirit, gentleness is given to each of us.  We all have it, though maybe in different strengths and at different times or in certain areas of our lives.  We may not see gentleness in ourselves, but others do!  It is there, as promised by God. 

Receive the gentleness that God offers, be gentle to those around you, and remember to be gentle with yourself.

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."  ~Philippians 1:3