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"Nothing is as strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." -unknown

"...but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people." - Titus 3:2

Solomon stated, "all is vanity"; the more 'mature' we become "In Christ" the more we realize just how wise Solomon was concerning the vanity of gaining wisdom for the soul purpose to become 'wise'. Scripture teaches that we become "skillful in Righteousness by reason of use". This is assuredly true of developing His character IN us. Producing fruit for His Glory is dependent upon abiding in Jesus, the Vine! In faith I say of myself, "my silver hair is a crown of GLORY!" -His glory not mine, of course.

It seems that The Father is speaking to many of His children about how they deal with the 'younger ones'. At least I know this is true for me and several of my 'more mature' friends. I also know that this task requires the fruit of 'gentleness'. In fact, for the subject at hand, the characteristic of 'gentleness' has more do with "selflessness" than any of the other Spiritual fruits. Becoming 'gentle' requires us to become free from "self", truly putting others before our own agendas and making disciplining a top priority.

When I first began meditating upon 'gentleness', I heard His voice say, "Meekness produces gentleness." In my minute intellect, I concluded that 'meekness' is where I needed to begin my pursuit in developing the characteristic of 'gentleness'. The only other saying I know about 'meekness' is "Meekness is the character trait that allows the teacher to learn while teaching." This proverb was spoken to me back in 1999 , again by The HolySpirit, while I was studying a lesson on the fruit of The Spirit for the Tween Sunday School Class. At that time, I had no revelation of what 'meekness' is. Most who know me understand that my personality certainly could and has gotten in my way of being both, meek and gentle. In my pursuit of Peace a couple of years ago, I established in my heart that "Peace is all about relationship." In my pursuit to gain a gentler presence I have learned that "Meekness is all about servitude, and gentleness is how we serve."

My best friend and I refer to each other as "Iron Buddies". Although we certainly should use diplomacy when interacting with friends, they are usually peers and are near-same-maturity. Hence, the luxury of applying the proverb "iron sharpens iron". Not so when dealing with "the younger ones". We cant use 'iron' on little ones; 'kid gloves' must be used with 'the younger' when correction is called for! When we truly "speak the Word in Love," it's always gentle because Love IS ...gentle! After we do what is required of us, TRUST the Lord to do HIS part!

As for 'teaching the younger', it is mostly going to be through example that we teach them. Trust me; they ARE watching! Some, just to see us mess up! But they will learn nevertheless! Also keep in mind that just because one is older in age or been a Christian longer doesn't mean that he/she is not "younger". Although experience in years does make a difference in some ways, maturity has nothing to do with measured time! Christian maturity has to do with the quality of time that one has spent with the Lord and in His Word...In His Presence! I have found out much too late in life that spending time in His Presence is far greater and more important than time studying the Word. (That is hard for an OLD "Word Person" to admit!-LOL)

In Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit, John Blattner entitled his chapter on meekness: "Strength to Serve". Other ways he defines meekness is "strength under control" and "a zealous attitude of dedication to service with gentleness towards others." In other words, don't be arrogant or insulting, be respectful and courteous, showing genuine interest in the person. Blattner says, "Brokenness is the source of meekness", and he compares a meek person to a horse that has been "broken". Taming a horse does NOT make it lose its strength "or reduce him to helplessness, but instead helps him gain control of his strength and become more useful and obedient. .... To be meek we must surrender our will to the Lord... welcome correction (and) instruction .... the prime characteristic of a servant is that he does what his master tells him...." It goes beyond utilizing our abilities; it is trusting the Word of 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' in order to best serve those under our authority. Basically, it comes down to living God's 'LOVE' guidelines, especially 'not insisting on our own way'. Living it to the point that we ask ourselves in all situations, 'How should a servant of God handle this situation?' In conclusion to his chapter on meekness, Blattner says that we are to be like Jesus in our attitude in dealing with others. He states, that a truly meek Christian, "Whether he is gentle or aggressive at any particular moment, ...is at all times a servant, modeling himself on Jesus, the perfect servant."

"by reason of use": Situations come up that require an immediate meek response because EVEN CHRISTIANS can be ugly! (DUH!) That is when you had better have the seed planted and hope you have fruit to share! You MUST trust Who is IN you in these instances. From my own experience, I know I can't trust who I am (even the part who knows who I am In Christ). Although, I am more "fruity" than I was, flesh and personality still fight me at times. I repeat, abiding is the key to all production of fruit! THEN, we have PEACE due to being IN Him... Kenneth Copeland had an article in the BVOV magazine a few years back called, 'Dealing With Ugly People'; I quote: "You cant change (ugly people). You can't even deal with them. But you can develop your love until you can love them just the way they are." I urge you to Look at 2 Peter 1:1-15 in the The Living Bible. (NOT the same as NLT) It really puts this into perspective. Adjust&Enjoy-agreenwalt

This article was written by a good friend of mine, Anita Greenwalt, while I am in the process of recovering from a wreck. Thank you Anita!!!!!

"The servant of the Lord must ... be gentle unto all men,apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves." -2Timothy: 2:24,25

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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