Treating Others Gently

Treating Others Gently

"Learn from Me, for I am gentle." Matthew 11:29

I got hammered today in my time with God. It is amazing how HE knows exactly what I need, when I need it, and why. When we open our hearts to Him to do what He wants to do in our lives, He takes us at our Word and does what we ask.

Gentleness is not a subject that most men want to think about. It can be construed as not being manly or macho. But Jesus wants us to model His life and be gentle with others: our spouses, our kids, our co-workers. And yes, with those all around us.

Teacher/author Dr. Jerry Bridges gives powerful insight into treating others gently:

A profile of gentleness as it should appear in our lives will first include actively seeking to make others feel at ease, or "restful," in our presence. We should not be so strongly opinionated or dogmatic that others are afraid to express their opinions in our presence.

Instead, we should be sensitive to others' opinions and ideas. We should also avoid displaying our commitment to Christian discipleship in such a way as to make others feel guilty, taking care not to break the bruised reed of the hurting Christian or snuff out the smoldering wick of the immature Christian.

Second, gentleness will demonstrate respect for the personal dignity of the other person. Where necessary, it will seek to change a wrong opinion or attitude by persuasion and kindness, not by domination or intimidation. It will studiously avoid certain coercion by threatening, either directly or indirectly (as Paul for example, avoided it in his appeal to the Corinthians).

Gentleness will also avoid blunt and abrupt speech, instead seeking to answer everyone with sensitivity and respect, ready to show consideration toward all. Gentle Christians do not feel they have the liberty to "say what I think and let the chips fall where they may fall." Instead they are sensitive to the reactions and feelings of others.

When gentle Christians find it necessary to wound with words, they also seek to bind up those wounds with words of consolation and encouragement.

Finally, gentle Christians will not degrade or belittle or gossip about the brother or sister who falls into some sin. Instead they will grieve for him or her and pray for that person's repentance. If it's appropriate to become personally involved, they'll seek to restore the person gently (Galatians 6:1), aware that they too are subject to temptation. -- from Holiness Day By Day -- Transformational Thoughts for Your Spiritual Journey -- Dr. Jerry Bridges, NavPress

Ouch! So the question is, am I willing to learn from Jesus how to be gentle. I know exactly the areas that He is pointing out to me right now. And my guess is if you're honest, you know where He is tapping on your shoulder! The real question is this -- am I going to be a willing learner? And not just a learner, but a learner who will take and apply the truth. By God's grace and with His help, I want to learn to be more gentle. How about you? -- Bill Welte is President and CEO

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 3; 1 Kings 14-15; Luke 22:31-46

Dig This Quote: It is not necessary to maintain a conversation when we are in the presence of God. We can come into His presence and rest our weary souls in quiet contemplation of Him. Our groanings, which cannot be uttered, rise to Him and tell Him better than words how dependent we are upon Him. Ole Kristian O. Hallesby

Determined Digging: Level 1: Proverbs 4:18; Level 2: Psalm 63:1-5