As I start this writing my eyes are filled with tears as I remember the moments when I was most gentle.
The last year of my mother’s life her strength failed. She needed help doing everything. Walking, sitting down and getting up, showering, dressing, even eating at times. Someone had to be at her side almost constantly.
At night, when I would help her to bed, we would talk. Her voice was soft and low, and she would thank me for taking such good care of her. She would say “I know my body isn’t working and I need the strength of others. Thank you.” Then we would pray, and she would go to sleep.
“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” Galatians 5:22-23 ERV
Gentleness.
That quiet strength that seems to bring calm and comfort. Parents know how to be gentle when their child has had a bad dream or is frightened by a new and strange experience. Nurses seem to be particularly adept at being gentle when they are caring for someone who is ill.
A friend knows how to step in with gentle consolation during times of heartache and loss. The best is when a small child cradles your face in their hands and says, “It’s ok Mommy, don’t cry”.
“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Philippians 4:5 NLT
But gentleness isn’t just meant for those we are related too or have a close relationship with.
“And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me…Don’t be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you their angels are always with my Father in heaven.12 Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had 100 sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn’t you leave the 99 on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? 13 I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the 99 that never wandered off. 14 That’s how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn’t want any of these little ones to be lost.” Matthew 18:5,11-14 CEV
Christ’s instruction to all of us is that we should be gentle with those who are lost. We should search for them and bring them back from danger.
“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses much learning in a good way, but the mouth of fools speaks in a foolish way.” Proverbs 15:1-2 NLV
“Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3 Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 CEV
“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 CEV
Seeds of gentleness.
The Father’s example to us, His children, and our harvest of gentleness reflects the love of the Father to the world.