Walking in Love And The Gentleness Of A Dove
Ever been frustrated with someone? It can be an easy trap that we fall into. Perhaps someone treated us unfairly. Maybe even they attacked us without cause and it threatens our livelihood. Our peace is tested. Our patience is tested. Our ability to walk in love might be tested. And our ability to forgive might be tested.
Scripture:
“He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.” – Hebrews 5:2
Observation/Application:
God’s Word is powerful upon me this morning. Maybe because I have been struggling a bit with patience recently due to what I would consider completely unacceptable behavior by others. But how might this apply to you?
Maybe your significant other or your kids are not treating you with dignity or respect. Perhaps you are witnessing unfair behavior at work, or within the media. Maybe you are getting frustrated with others in your social circle, or maybe even within your community or church.
The Word here says to deal with others gently. The key word is “gently”. Inside we might boil, but our delivery should be gentle, not stirring anger and personal contempt. During these times it might be good to ask ourselves if this is how Jesus would handle the situation.
We also might ask ourselves why we are boiling inside? Why are we reacting to the situation like we are? What happens sometimes is outside of our control, but how we react to a situation is always within our control. (re-read last sentence again)
Knowledge and wisdom is a gift, as are human relationships in the Lord. Let us share and help others patiently and lovingly. We too are imperfect and subject to the attacks of the enemy. None of us are perfect and without sin. And we certainly don’t know how to deal with every problem that we face.
Deal gently, lest God remind us that we too have much to learn.
#Walking-In-Gentleness
Image courtesy of: skepticalview
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word this morning. Let the love of Christ fill our hearts so much that it defies all logic and helps us to connect at a higher level with others. Keep us in your Spirit Lord. Let your peace rest upon us. Give us strength. Help us through our daily struggles so that our challenges do not have a negative impact on others. Help us to deal gently and loving with those who come across our path, especially those closest to us. We receive a full measure of your goodness today. Let your Holy Spirit overflow in and through us all throughout the day. We give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Today’s full reading: Hosea 13-14; Psalm 100, 102; Hebrews 5
Scripture References From Today’s Reflection:
- “When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’.” – John 8:7
- “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:5
- “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8
- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
- “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16