Gentleness

There is so much wisdom in the Bible. We don't always look at things correctly. God desires us to be gentle. There is strength in being gentle. Often we look at gentleness as being weakness, but it is not. It can be our weapon. It is actually a strength and it takes a strong person to be gentle especially in times of stress. We would prefer to shout out and take action, strong action in times of stress. Fight or flight is our reaction. The Bible tells us to be gentle. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5  It is listed as fruit of the spirit, something every Christian should develop in their lives. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.    I heard a story about gentleness that I would like to share as best I can remember. A young man was working in a shoe store and it seems an irate customer came into the store with a pair of shoes he had bought recently and he was not happy with them. He raised his voice so everyone in the store could hear his displeasure as he talked about how bad the shoes were. The young mans boss, the owner of the store took over and listened to the mans complaint. Smiling and listening to every word. As the customer finished his rant the owner of the store spoke and said Mr. Farmer, what would you like for me to do? I am so sorry the shoes didn't work out for you in a soft and gentle voice. I can give you a full refund or even a different pair of shoes. And I will throw in a pair of socks also. Just tell me what you would like. Mr. Farmer had calmed down by now and his tone changes, I guess I would like a different pair of shoes, he says. The owner of the store helped him find another pair of shoes and a pair of socks, smiling and talking in a gentle voice the whole time. Mr. Farmer left the store and the owner of the store turned to the young man and said, I lost a pair of shoes today but I gained a customer. When we raise our voice it is only natural for the opposition to raise their voice. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Galatians 6:1 Proverbs says a soft  answer turns away wrath. In Galatians we are told to use gentleness in restoring a fallen brother. This bit of Biblical wisdom will work in our marriages, with our children, on the job, with our neighbors. God created us and he knows how we are. He gives us wisdom and Jesus was our ultimate example of gentleness. I often look at how Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery. Jesus words were neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more. The Bible has much wisdom for us if we will read and practice its teachings, and put it into practice in our daily living. The Bible is Gods owners manual for us humans, it tells us how to operate in a fallen world. Gentleness is a trait we need to develop in our lives.  God bless, LVZ.