Gentle

Gentle

1 Thessalonians 2: ⁵ You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk, nor did we use words to cover up greed—God is our witness! ⁶ We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, ⁷ even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

 

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Hearing the lie, I crafted my words to counter what was said. When the person heard my words, he countered with insults. Now that I was insulted, I really had to give it to him. I countered with more words. What were we even talking about?

 

• I got mad during the conversation.
• I wanted to be “heard” so I kept using more words.
• I eventually used words that were rough and coarse.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy lived with the people of Thessalonica. During this time they encountered day to day circumstances that could have turned into arguments, but they chose not to. They also refrained from flattering words to cover up greed, like some of the speakers who had done so in the past.

 

My Observations

• Flattering talk can get me to a certain point, BUT GOD wants my words to speak of HIS truth.
• Seeking the right words, only to gain money, can get me wealthy in a greedy way, BUT GOD wants my words to be rich and full of HIS treasures.
• Following famous people and praising their prowess can get me liked so I can fit in, BUT GOD deserves to be mentioned over all.

 

“Toughen up” or “Take the hill” or “Fight” sound like words of a leader, but there are times when these qualities don’t fit. I mean, when a baby is crying and he or she cannot communicate what is wrong, it takes gentleness to figure out the solution to the baby’s problem.

 

Gentleness overcomes insecurity, greed and loneliness. How? It removes the desire to need to “fit in” and replaces it with GOD’s purpose. Gentleness knows people will make mistakes and reacts slowly with HIS solution. It makes no demands because gentleness is stronger than brute force. I am glad JESUS is gentle with me.

 

Challenge

• What alternative to flattering words, greed and praising humans do the writers speak of?
• Have you ever sought out praise or felt a little greedy or placed demands on others?
• Will you learn of GOD’s gentleness and mimic HIS love for other’s today?

We are Family

Matthew 12: ⁴⁶ While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. ⁴⁷ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

⁴⁸ He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” ⁴⁹ Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. ⁵⁰ For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Outcast was how I felt when going to school. I mean other’s fit in and I stuck out like a sore thumb, or at least I felt that way. Ridiculed and unpopular, I trudged through my daily routines. Fortunately for me, I met a group who pulled me in as one of their own.

• Regardless of what I look like, I am part of GOD’s glorious family.
• No matter how I have sinned in the past, I am part of GOD’s wonderful family.
• Irrespective of what I want to be, I am a person in GOD’s family.

Belonging is what I craved from the world but the requirements were too steep. I had to look like the trendiest people and act like people who acted like brats. I could not be quirky in my humor or just relax when I wanted to. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “I made you just how you are.”
• GOD says to me “I created you with a purpose that only you can fulfill.”
• GOD says to me “I love you so now you belong in MY family.”

Being part of a holy family is a breath of fresh air. I can be valuable just by being me. GOD expects me to treat others the same. HE wants me to see their value as part of an amazing family that HE created and purposed. I belong.

• Do you feel like an outcast?
• Is your immediate family torn apart?
• Can you give your life to GOD so you can be part of an amazing family who are still sinners yet forgiven?

How many "Mommas and Daddies" do you have?

John 19:25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

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I just celebrated the 50th anniversary of my "Momma and Daddy" this past weekend. My parents had their 50th anniversary three years ago, but my "momma and daddy" just had theirs this past weekend. Confusing? It's not.

When I was raised, people truly lived like the African Proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." My parents were great. They provided a wonderful home, put food on the table and taught me about CHRIST. What more could I ask for? Well there was more.

As a teenager, I wanted to test the boundaries of what my parents were teaching. I would go over my friends house and see if I could get away with some things over there that I couldn't at my house.

We were loud and crazy over my friends house and then his father came downstairs and quickly shut all the craziness down and got us on track." Wow! Your parents are like mine", I said to my friend.

I was blessed with many "Mommas and Daddies" around my neighborhood. it seemed like all the "Mommas" could cook and all the "Daddies" had wise advice. One of my "Daddies" asked me and my friend where we were going that night. "The night club to have some fun", we responded.

He then proceeded to ask us "Where are you investing your money?" We had no answer. "Give to the LORD and save some", he said. I followed this principle the rest of my life and added my own twist to it. "Give to the LORD, save some and spend some."

JESUS sees the disciple who HE loved and HE sees HIS mother. I don't know where Joseph is and I would assume he is dead. JESUS had "step brothers" who Mary could have lived with, but JESUS says "Here is your mother."

I probably would have said "Here is your 'Momma'." JESUS knows the physical parent relationship is special, but HE also knows a caring relationship is just as special. HE loved HIS mother, Mary and HE loved John and knew they would care for each other.

This example of love would draw many people to CHRIST.

• A "Momma and Daddy" are examples to me.
• A "Momma and Daddy" may only say one thing that sticks with me the rest of my life.
• A "Momma and Daddy" trusts in the LORD and wants the best for me.

My "Mommas and Daddies" would go on to show me things my parents didn't do. Some of them taught me how to bowl and others to play games. All of my "Mommas and Daddies" showed me what was important and that is to keep CHRIST as the number one thing in my life.

• Can you recall a "Momma" or a "Daddy" in your life?
• Are you open to their correction and advice?
• Does your "Momma" and "Daddy" have your best interest in mind?
• Where are you getting "GODLY SPIRITUAL" advice from?