Guest Blogger: Erika Williams
The first thing that came to my mind when I was thinking about gentleness was a sweet little old lady who is always smiling and baking cookies... or me being nice to the lady at the post office while i'm standing there waiting in line for an hour or even the line at the grocery line being nice to the usually grumpy clerk. but as i began to look into what gentleness means and look into the word i came up with a whole different conclusion...
Gentleness is more than something that we just "put on" it comes from within. It's who we are and starts in our thoughts.
Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all the Lord is near."
WHO? Me-those I am around a lot.
WHY? Christ has been so kind and gentle with me... so i need to follow his example. (titus 3:2-3)
WHEN? Always... Christ is coming soon. From God's view a thousand years is like a day. So for each generation his return is near.
HOW? Taking a thoughtful approach for others even when things are difficult for me. When I think only of myself it is easy to hurt other's unintentionally. So thinking about others instead of just me.
Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest in your souls."
The thing that I've learned about gentleness is it's not a quietness or passiveness but it is a confidence and comes with humility. In difficult or stressful times my thoughts can be planted right on me... "hows this going to work out... i feel.... what about me?"
But not gentleness it has a consideration and concern for others. Wanting the best for everyone. It's more than just a kind smile or thoughtful word it is something that begins in our character. We learn how to be gentle from Christ. He has been so gentle and patient with us.
Gentleness starts in my thoughts and is clearly and accurately displayed to those I am around the most. It's displayed when I'm at work and things get a little crazy, or when I'm at home with my roomates. We see our true gentleness spill out or not spill out when we are around people we see the most.
"Taking a thoughtful approach for others even when things are difficult for me."
This is definetely when gentleness really gets to shine!
good stuff!
Posted by: the other erin | 16 September 2008 at 02:49 PM
Thank you for always being so gentle and loving to my kids!
We love you!
Posted by: Netta | 15 September 2008 at 11:43 AM
Woo! Preach it! :) I like it... it comes from within... so good.
Posted by: Pants | 13 September 2008 at 05:35 PM
When I imagine gentleness I imagine great power restrained...like a huge scary bodybuilder guy playing with a toddler.
Posted by: Erin | 13 September 2008 at 01:17 PM