Today I choose gentleness. To be gentle, kind, loving and compassionate in my actions and words.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) A gentle answer isn't always easy and our words can often get in the way of our gentleness. Words can be harsh, they can hurt, they can tear down and they leave a long lasting impression. We can probably all quickly think of words that have been spoken to us or that we have spoken that have hurt. But we are called to be gentle and humble, using our words to lift others up.
Philippians 4:4-5 tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Is our gentleness evident to all? When people think about us, do they think we are gentle? I want to be a women who is gentle, kind and humble in all that I do!
1 Peter 3:3-4 is a great reminder that our inner beauty is so important and how our actions can have a great affect on others. In verses 1-2 of chapter 3 women are told to be submissive to their husbands so that if they are not believers they may be won over by the behavior of their wives. If we were more focused on a gentle spirit, could we have more of an impact on those around us? "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." Think the amount of time that we take to get ready in the morning, especially us women. What if our focus shifted and we carved out a time each day to work on our inner beauty, to work on growing in our walk with the Lord. I think that it was would attract people to us, not what clothes we are wear or how our hair looks that day. I think it's OK to present ourselves well, I mean it would probably be a little bit of a turn off to the world if we showed up with bedhead and morning breath everywhere, but there must be a balance! We should have a mindset that desires for our inside and outside beauty to match.
We must also praise our God for his gentleness with us! Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
God is gentle and patient with us, so we must be gentle and patient with others!
So, today I choose gentleness, in my actions and words. May my gentleness be evident to all.
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