Along with kindness and compassion, comes the Christian principle of gentleness. In a ever changing culture that often values fierce and selfish responses, taking a gentle approach to life and human interaction, is evidence of Christ living in a person’s heart.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) tell us, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Gentleness is one of the Christian values we need to display. It isn’t weakness; but instead, when properly lived out, it requires strength, self-control and the ability to look past anger and emotion to see the bigger picture of what God desires for us to do. Christians are called to be kind and loving, even to their enemies.
Gentleness surprises people because it stands out. It catches us off guard. Amid the clamor, above the din, a gentle voice captures us. We don’t need to be gentle in order to get people’s attention, but as we follow Scripture’s call to gentleness, we can be calmed by the knowledge that this will surprise others. It may feel counterproductive, but that is only because we live in a culture, sometimes even in a church culture, of loudness and aggression.
Gentleness draws people to us, and like a sea anemone slowly being coaxed to open up again, gentleness coaxes people to open up. Gentleness makes people feel safe. When we are harsh or needlessly assertive toward others, they may not show it, but they are putting up defenses. Gentleness wins the person, whatever happens at the level of rational argumentation.
Gentleness treats people with dignity not aggressive superiority. Engaging is gentleness, shows us that people matter, they have significance, and we can’t ignore it. God made all of us in His own image. Every human being is subject to the disappointments, rejections, and anxieties. Gentleness treats people according to their inherent glory, not according to the adversities of life that may cause them to be difficult people.
Gentleness gives people a living picture of Jesus Himself. Sometimes, the closest thing to Jesus that people will see in this fallen world is us. As Christians, we are to be walking vessels of the gentle love of Christ. Our treatment of others tells them what we really think Jesus is like. Whatever we may say, says what we believe Jesus is like.
God treats us kindly with His care and love, shouldn’t we do the same for others. Isaiah 40:11 (ESV) says, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
No matter how those around us in society regard gentleness, it is a powerful Christ-like attitude. To reflect this precious quality, we need to first desire it with all our heart, and then allow every opportunity of mistreatment or misunderstanding to reflect Christ’s tranquility. It requires humility and sacrifice, patience and compassion; qualities that we might feel that we lack, even on our best days. But the good news is that God shows us the way. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and He never gives us gifts that we can’t use. So, begin practice using it today.
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) tell us, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Gentleness is one of the Christian values we need to display. It isn’t weakness; but instead, when properly lived out, it requires strength, self-control and the ability to look past anger and emotion to see the bigger picture of what God desires for us to do. Christians are called to be kind and loving, even to their enemies.
Gentleness surprises people because it stands out. It catches us off guard. Amid the clamor, above the din, a gentle voice captures us. We don’t need to be gentle in order to get people’s attention, but as we follow Scripture’s call to gentleness, we can be calmed by the knowledge that this will surprise others. It may feel counterproductive, but that is only because we live in a culture, sometimes even in a church culture, of loudness and aggression.
Gentleness draws people to us, and like a sea anemone slowly being coaxed to open up again, gentleness coaxes people to open up. Gentleness makes people feel safe. When we are harsh or needlessly assertive toward others, they may not show it, but they are putting up defenses. Gentleness wins the person, whatever happens at the level of rational argumentation.
Gentleness treats people with dignity not aggressive superiority. Engaging is gentleness, shows us that people matter, they have significance, and we can’t ignore it. God made all of us in His own image. Every human being is subject to the disappointments, rejections, and anxieties. Gentleness treats people according to their inherent glory, not according to the adversities of life that may cause them to be difficult people.
Gentleness gives people a living picture of Jesus Himself. Sometimes, the closest thing to Jesus that people will see in this fallen world is us. As Christians, we are to be walking vessels of the gentle love of Christ. Our treatment of others tells them what we really think Jesus is like. Whatever we may say, says what we believe Jesus is like.
God treats us kindly with His care and love, shouldn’t we do the same for others. Isaiah 40:11 (ESV) says, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
No matter how those around us in society regard gentleness, it is a powerful Christ-like attitude. To reflect this precious quality, we need to first desire it with all our heart, and then allow every opportunity of mistreatment or misunderstanding to reflect Christ’s tranquility. It requires humility and sacrifice, patience and compassion; qualities that we might feel that we lack, even on our best days. But the good news is that God shows us the way. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and He never gives us gifts that we can’t use. So, begin practice using it today.
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
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