Your Daily Devotional for September 25, 2007

 

September 25,  2007

 

 

The Expression of Gentleness

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."

 

Philippians 2:3-7

 

 

Benjamin Franklin once said, "I will speak ill of no man, not even in the matter of truth, but rather excuse the faults I hear, and, upon proper occasions, speak all the good I know of everybody." As we saw yesterday, God desires that we would show gentleness to those around us. Christ gave us a perfect example through His character and compassion and He desires for us to be the example to those around us.

 

Gentleness is a rare thing in today's culture. But even in the midst of this, we can show gentleness and kindness to others. We are to be the expression of gentleness in our society. Today we will see three ways we can show gentleness in our lives.

 

First, we can express gentleness and kindness through our sensitivity. No matter how many Scriptures we have memorized, or how many convictions we have, if we do not have kindness it doesn't matter. It has been said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Sometimes our greatest witness is when we take time to help others.

 

Think back to someone who made a great impact in your life. Maybe it was a teacher, a friend, a parent, a coach, or someone else. I'm sure that one of the reasons they had such a great influence on your life is because they showed that they cared. They took time for you and were kind to you. Even so, we can have a great impact on those around us if we will just take time to be sensitive and show others we care.

 

Second, we can express gentleness and kindness through our sympathy. Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." There will be times when those around us are going through a time of trial or heartache. We must take extra time to give our sympathy during these times. Is there someone you know who is going through a difficult time right now? Even the smallest card or a simple phone call would show them how much you care. We must be sensitive to when others are hurting and we must show gentleness by giving them our sympathy.

 

Last, we must show kindness by being straightforward. Most people avoid confrontation and do not usually think of it as being kind, yet God desires that when need be, we would show our gentleness through loving correction. Proverbs 27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." It may not be easy and the other person may not accept it well, but the best thing you can do for a friend is lovingly show them the error of their ways. This shows that you truly do care about them.

 

How are you expressing gentleness today? Do others around you not only know that you care about them, but see your kindness through your actions? Also, do you care about your friends enough to show them kindness through loving confrontation? We can express gentleness and kindness in our lives by showing others we care. Take time now to think of ways you can express kindness to those around you. Ask God to help you see ways you can express gentleness today.

 

Daily Bible Reading

Song of Solomon 6-8 • Galatians 4

 

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