Gentleness
If you ask me to describe myself, a lot of words come to mind. Gentle is not one of them. Being gentle is hard for me. Whether it’s because of my upbringing (total tomboy), having to face some tough situations (haven’t we all?), 20+ years in the legal world (definitely not a gentle place), or just a natural inclination towards the unvarnished truth, I tend to say what’s on my mind – even if I shouldn’t. I can be brutally blunt. As I write this, I think, “So what? I lay my cards face up on the table & then everyone knows where they stand with me.”
But, my honesty & clarity can be perceived as harsh and uncaring….plus, it’s not about me.
For example: the other day, my husband tried to tell me how to adjust our new windows. As I had already met with the window company representative, I already knew this – and I quickly let hubby know that. I realized my mistake when he deflated just a bit in front of me. What would it have cost me to just listen to him? Nothing. What would it have given him to have me listen to him? More than I’ll ever know.
Here’s the rub: it’s not as important for me to be blunt & brutally honest with everyone as it is for them to see the fruit of the Spirit through me. If I am viewed as mean or uncaring, what does that tell that person about the God that I love and serve?
Jerry Bridges, in his book, The Practice of Godliness, says: “Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness. There is a pseudo-gentleness that is effeminate, and there is a pseudo-meekness that is cowardly. But a Christian is to be gentle and meek because those are Godlike virtues. We should never be afraid, therefore, that the gentleness of the Spirit means weakness of character. It takes strength, God’s strength, to be truly gentle.”
Questions to consider:
1. Is gentleness a way that you show God’s love for us?
2. For you, what obstacles are there to being gentle?
My prayer today: Gracious God, help me to be strong, by being gentle, like You.
I struggle with gentleness/meakness. I’ve only ever condiered them as weakness.
“Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness”
This has caused my to reconsider my perception and definition. Perhaps we should have a sidebar on this issue Meg!
NoMo – I’d love to! That quote blew me away….and has made me think & pray on that a lot.
Great message. I struggle with that all too often especially when it comes to the ones I love the most. I have always thought of meekness to be a sign of weakness and learned not to be that way. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable and for sharing such words of wisdom.
I agree with you. I want to be direct and speak his mind. Meekness is easier for me than gentleness.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
Meg,
I, too, struggle with gentleness. Thank you for your encouraging and challenging words. I’ll look for Jeff Bridges’ book! Lea Anne
Meg -
Self awareness is knowing how God wired us, and then growing to fully understand how that wiring should bring Him glory. Looks like you’re on that track.
awesome.
alan