The troubles of Life can make us cranky and out of sorts, but we still should never excuse these bouts of bad behavior, for they can either the hearts of those weeks love and duty to others until we have learned to be pleasant.
The New Testament has a word for the virtue that corrects our unpleasantness-gentleness, a term that suggests a kind and ND gracious soul. Ephesians 4:2 reminds us, " Be completely humble and gentle."
Gentleness is a willingness to accept limitations and ailments without taking out our aggravation on others. It shows gratitude for the smallest service rendered and tolerance for those who do not serve us well. It puts up with bothersome people--including noisy, boisterous little people; for kindness to children is a crowning Mark of a good and gentle person. It speaks softly in the face of provocation. It can be silent; for calm, unruffled silence is often the most eloquent response to unkind words.
Jesus is " gentle and humble in heart." If we ask Him, He will, in time, recreate us in His image. Scottish author George MacDonald says, " God would not hear from us a tone to jar the heart of another, a word to make it ache....From such, as from all other sins, Jesus was born to deliver us."
Dear Lord, I want to be a gentle person. Please help me to be kind and gracious to others today.
Humility toward God will make us gentle toward others.
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