“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (ESV)
A month ago I went on a much-needed vacation.
I didn’t realize how burnt out I had become until I was on the airplane. Though I didn’t want to talk to anybody, when the immigration forms were passed around — and I realized I was without a pen — I was forced to strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to me. Within moments of our talk, I welled up with tears. And I wept for the rest of the airplane ride.
Gentleness.
I had been living with a “go, go, go” attitude for a long time, making decision after decision, having to be nothing short of strong. Somewhere along the road, I had left tenderness behind. So, when I had a moment to just sit and be still, God allowed me to encounter an individual who flourished with a spirit of gentleness. Through this stranger, I encountered God.
When we abide in God, He lives through us and shows Himself with joy, peace, and kindness, in all of His beauty. Sometimes we can see how God uses us, and at other times, we have no idea how we touch the hearts of those around us who desperately need an encounter with God.
I’m sure this individual had no clue how they touched my spirit, but God sure did. All I want now is to be used in this way as well, and choose to live in gentleness.
Max Lucado says,
“I choose gentleness…. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.”
Heavenly Father, I long for Your fruit in my life. Today, I choose You and Your ways and ask that You would live in me and through me. May You use me to touch those in my life who need to encounter You. Amen.
By Brigitte Straub
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• The Gentle Christian
• Love is Patient and Kind – a story of a man on a bus
• Salvation Explained