Fruit for the Holidays - Gentleness

Have you ever been near a toddler when they have been around a puppy or a baby? You tend to hear a lot of “BE GENTLE!” coming out of people’s mouths. Toddlers just don’t know how to be gentle. They don’t have the motor skills for that just yet.

There is also the phrase, “let them down gently”. We want to be gentle when we give people bad news. The adjectives softness, caring, tender, compassionate and delicate are good descriptions of gentleness. Have you heard the phrase, “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar”? Gentleness has a way of drawing people in and soothing them. There is a sense of safety and security that allows for vulnerability when it comes to gentleness.

I try to be gentle. I really do. There are times when I try so hard and am doing pretty good…but then the warm and fuzzy’s begin to wear off, the stress of the situation gets to me and eventually I just explode because I can’t do it anymore. Perhaps I am just impatient and just want my own way.

The holidays can be difficult for a lot of us but perhaps we can take cues from Jesus on how we can be gentle with one another.

Jesus doesn’t force himself on anyone. He pursues us and is welcoming but he waits for us to invite Him into our hearts. He beckons us and promises us rest and reassurance with His impeccable timing. He asks questions and shows he is available and listening, even though he already knows the answers. He has compassion, drawing people in like honey, while gently proclaiming truth. I believe that when we can be gentle like Jesus, we won’t focus on getting “our way” because we are too busy seeking His. How about you?

What circumstances are the easiest for you to be gentle with others?

Do you find that gentleness and connection go together? Can you have one without the other?

How does asking questions help you to be gentle?

How does your tone of voice tend to impact the responses you receive from others?

Scripture:

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” 2 Timothy 2: 25 (NLT)

“Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11: 28-29