Wow!A verse that always discombobulates and flusters me is Philippians 4:5 - "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." I think that gentleness is not just an outward manner of self-control and external pleasantries, but an inner expression of who I truly am at my very inner core. Without Grace transforming my inner man, my external behavior is really nothing but pretense and hypocrisy and ABC: accusing, blaming and complaining, without deep self-evaluation and humility.
For the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24),
Ben (312) 363-8578
Dressed in Gentleness Once in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu. Gentle is the one who does "not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick" (Matthew 12:20). Gentle is the one who is attentive to the strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth requires nurture, not force. Let's dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God among us.
Ben (312) 363-8578
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