A Gentle Spirit

1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Our two year old grandson watched as relatives passed out colorful packages. With wonder-filled eyes he took in the red, green and blues of the ripped off wrappers that littered the floor around his sibling’s gifts. His teenage sister saw that he needed help with his package, so she sat with him, and together they pulled off the wrapping paper. Once the gift sat before them, she showed him what he received and helped him take it from the box. With a gentle spirit Vanessa helped Max with his gift. She didn’t hurry him, she guided him.

God requires a gentle spirit from his followers. When I see someone in need, I want to approach them with a quiet, helpful attitude, rather than “let me show you how” because I know more than you. I have a good friend who shows her gentle spirit and I’m not even sure she knows it. Anytime I have needed guidance, she speaks to me with kindness and love. I appreciate her gentle reminder that God cares about me. This new year I pray that my gentle spirit shows as I serve others. 


Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, 
   to us a son is given, 
   and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called 
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Every day I am thankful for God’s faithfulness. When I wake up in the morning, I know that God greets me with his arms of love. As I journey through my day, he travels beside me. When I lay down at night he watches over me and wishes me a good rest.

God was faithful to keep the promise he spoke through Isaiah. He sent his son, the Prince of Peace to live as we live. His birth in that manger near Bethlehem, under the stars, surrounded by shepherds and angels marked the beginning of Christ’s reign and his inevitable sacrifice. As I celebrate Christmas, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and my responsibility as his follower to produce a faith-filled life. Praise God for the gift of Jesus.

Happy Christmas!

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Oh my Goodness!

2 Peter 1:4-5a
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness…

The large box jutted over the end of the cart making it difficult for the woman to see where she was going. She managed to maneuver the awkward package to her car. With the trunk flipped open, she struggled to lift the box. A gentleman walked up to her and asked if she needed any help. At first she said no, but he encouraged her to allow his help. He placed the package in her car without difficulty. When she thanked him, he said it was his pleasure. He had just returned from the war and witnessed so much distress and evil, that he wanted to come home and do good. As she pulled away from this gracious stranger, she watched him approach another person in need.

The soldier fought in a physical war. Each day a spiritual war swirls around me. Satan and his army attempt sneak attacks and outright assaults. He wants me to make bad choices and ignore people in need. During the holidays, he lurks around waiting for me to wear down from the hustle and bustle so that I might lose my patience, criticize others, or just give up. But Jesus comes along and, like the soldier, carries my load. The night of Jesus birth, the angels sang to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” He gives me peace so that I can spread goodness to others.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Kindness in the face of Belligerence

Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

The lady giving away samples of Christmas flavored coffees smiled and tried to explain to the belligerent customer that the cups only held a few ounces because they were samples. He continued to throw harsh words at her. Yet, she remained kind and patient. Tim and I tried to help her out, but the man demanded more coffee and upped his irritation. He continued to harass the gentle woman. No matter what the man said through the entire interaction the woman remained kind.

The Christmas season often adds extra stress to my life. The stress may not be a bad stress, but certainly adds to my to-do list. I enjoy giving, decorating and watching the Christmas programs, but I also find myself tired, short-tempered and impatient when I am too busy. Yet, God asks me to show kindness to everyone in my path. Watching the coffee lady reminded me that no matter what, I need to show God’s kindness so that folks see God’s mercy and grace.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Patience!!!

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I remember one Christmas, as a child, I snooped for gifts. Under my mom and dad’s bed I spied a toy ironing board and iron and a few other items that looked like they might be for me. That was the year that I figured out that Santa left the presents early and in my parent’s charge :) . My lack of patience in waiting for Christmas morning brought some disappointment. I wondered if Santa even existed. I think I was about five or six years old. Had I waited until Christmas morning to unwrap my treasures, I could have avoided my doubt and enjoyed the morning through a child’s eyes one more time.

Sometimes as an adult, I forget the lesson I learned so long ago. I still resist waiting. In some translations of the Bible, the fruit of the Spirit lists forbearance as patience. Webster defines forbearing as holding back with effort. Patience requires acknowledgement and effort. I’ve never been what I would think of as a patient person, perhaps I’m not trying hard enough. I know from my experience that when I do produce patience, God blesses me. I continue to work on this part of the fruit of the Spirit, and I thank God that he is patient with me.


Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.