“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5
How can I experience gentleness in a world that is harsh and demanding and always wanting things its own way?
I had not noticed this verse or considered gentleness until recently. Now I find that this is one of my favorite verses. I like being around people who are gentle. I’m grateful that God says that he is near me.
Paul writes this verse in the context of living anxiety-free and rejoicing in the Lord in (Philippians 4:4-8). Gentleness has an attitude that is levelheaded, reasonable, and mature. Jesus was all of these things, mild-mannered, tender, gentle and kind. Allowing him to live in us and for us to depend on him makes this gentleness possible.
The Lord is near. We are never alone, because he is with us. And because he is near and we live in him, we can exhibit his characteristics. The choice daily is to live in him, dwelling in his presence, or focusing on the harshness of this world.
In a time of history where a pandemic limits our activities, living anxiety-free is not common. But God gives us his Spirit, and a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. We can show others that we have something that can never be shut down or taken away. God is in control. These are tough times, but we will get through them. He will give us his calmness. And when we exhibit his calm, gentleness to others, it will be evident that we know him.
Lord God, help us to be mindful of your presence that is with us. Fill us with your Spirit that we may reflect your gentleness to those around us. Amen.
By Jan Stewart
Used by Permission
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