Let Your Gentleness Be Known

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

─ Philippians 4:5 NRSV

Ethan had exploded in the leadership meeting. His anger about an injustice done to a team member by another supervisor had pressed him hard. He was embarrassed and frustrated with himself. Even though the actions of the other supervisor were inexcusable, his peers were no doubt concerned about his own words and actions.

God is described in the 23rd Psalm as a gentle Shepherd, who lovingly cares for His sheep. Gentleness is just as much a part of who God is, as His strength and justice. His gentleness doesn’t compromise His strength, instead, it fortifies it.

Our verse today says we should demonstrate our gentleness to everyone. We are to be charitable, fair minded and reasonable to everyone. God doesn’t expect you to take revenge against those who treat you unfairly.

God’s gentleness is what compels Him to lead and uphold you through all your challenges in life. With gentleness, He reaches down and comforts you in times of sorrow and hardship.

Today’s One Thing

Have you ever thought gentleness made someone appear weak? If so, reset your mind on this idea by reading these verses about God’s display of gentleness.

• Let your gentleness be known to everyone. ─ Philippians 4:5 NRSV
• After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. ─ 1 Kings 19:12 NIV
• He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ─ Isaiah 53:7 NIV
• He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. ─ Isaiah 40:11 NIV

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