How Gentle Are You?
By kerriannc
@kerriannc (4279)
Jamaica
December 12, 2008 8:40am CST
During my years as a pastor, I encountered many Christians who were anything but gentle. They had no patience for fellow believers with character flaws or who were involved in sinful practices. They also showed little kindness toward non believers. They thought that gospel messages should always include dire warnings of the torments of hell.
Recently I heard about a company that had decided to open their stores on Sunday. Because they were located in an area with many churches, the corporation received scores of condemning letters from angry Christians. Some even said they were glad there was an eternal hell for those who had made this decision. Christian and non Christian employees were offended and embarrassed. Lack gentleness had harmed Christ's cause.
The religious leaders of Jesus' day were quick to judge and lacked gentleness. They criticized Jesus because He ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19). They were shocked because He showed concern for these people instead of harshly condemning them. He didn't approve of what they did, but He saw them as sinners created in God's image whom He had come to save. Let's follow Christ's example. - Herb Vander Lugt
O to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like to Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit, now and alway - Ellsworth
Nothing Is So Strong As Gentleness, Nothing So Gentle As Real Strength
Bible text for the day Titus 3:1-8
Quoted Bible Verse: Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at Hand. Philippians 4:5
Take from Our Daily Bread 2004 Annual Gift Edition.
Have A Blessed and Holy Day.
Kerry
1 response
@cienna (50)
• Philippines
12 Dec 08
hi, kerry.
yes, most of us, if not all, are somehow guilty of having "ungentleness" in us. and it's really very helpful that you posted this reminder. thank you. i will try to be more gentle in the future. God bless.