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“Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Have you ever know anyone who never raised their voice or shown any sign of anger to another person? Have you witnessed someone treating another person with kindness during a stressful situation?

These instances demonstrate gentleness. The people who can do this receive the ability to display this attribute from having God in our lives.

Jesus modeled gentleness with the woman caught in adultery, the woman who touched the hem of his garment, the disciples, and with Peter.

We speak of a summer’s breeze being gentle. Also, we caution small children to handle puppies and kittens with care. When we love someone, we try to convey that emotion through soft tender touches and words.

Gentleness is a learned response. We aren’t born with a ‘gentleness’ gene. It has to be modeled by others before we realize we lack what others have. When we see gentleness portrayed, we actually see God’s love poured out before us.

When a person has issues about a circumstance in their life, those around them choose to either assist them in a hands-on way, listen while they talk about it and pray with them, or stand by them and patiently help them as they sort their way through the problem.

I have a friend who models God’s gentleness before me. I have only seen her in one situation where she raised her voice. She is a very busy woman and, yet I see others who don’t maintain control nears as well

Let’s look at this term gentleness from a different way. When we read or recite the 23Psalm (NIV) we see words that convey comfort.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”. . .” The shepherd-king tells us that God takes care of him.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” David speaks of God coming alongside and making him rest in lush green pastures

“He leads me beside quiet waters . . .” God leads David and His children beside still waters and David relaxes. We find peace. The Father restores the shepherd boy’s soul.

“He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” God guides him down the right paths. In our 21Century society, we, as His children need to remember that God is in control and will lead us through our difficulties.

“Even though I walk through shadow of death. . . ” When David’s circumstances looked their bleakest, he was able to stay unafraid. When we face issues in our lives-poor health, sickness or loss of a loved one-, we can recognize that we are not alone.

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me. . .” Because David knows that God is with him, he has no fear. God’s ways bring him comfort. We should have no fear because God is with us.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” He nurtures and provides safety for David while his enemies look on. David (and all believers) will be in God’s care and protection throughout life while here on earth.

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God gave David gifts that he probably didn't deserve. The Father lavished him with great favor. It was more than David could fathom. The Lord God does this for His children even today.

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” David believed this. God allowed his son Solomon to succeed David as king of Israel. He ruled over Judah and Israel for a total of forty years. The Father allowed David to be in the genealogy of Jesus.

“. . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David makes a statement here that we call a statement of faith. As the 21Century unfolds, each year contains events that make us more certain that Christ’s return is very near. Let us, each one, prepare our hearts to display God’s attributes of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness as we live our lives for Christ.

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

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