Friends, pull up a rocker, grab your favorite cup of coffee, tea, or beverage and let’s sit here on the back porch and just chat. As we sit on the porch, we overlook a peaceful lake, surrounded by trees filled with the colors of autumn. Breathe in the fresh air and breathe out any stress, anxiety, or worry you might have inside. Let’s take that deep breath again together. Ahhh – now doesn’t that feel better?

To me, this is what GENTLENESS feels like. We don’t have stress, worry, or anxiety of life; we can just relax and be present without the troubles of this world. I have a hard time finding GENTLENESS in my everyday life, I’m not sure about you – but even I have a difficult time presenting GENTLENESS on an everyday basis given the fact that life tends to get in the way.

Here are a few scriptures to remind us of how important GENTLENESS is . . .

• A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30
• But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. James 3:17 

A quote from Max Lucado says, “I choose gentleness… Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. ”

Friends may we find GENTLENESS in our everyday lives, whether it be a kind-hearted friend, the peaceful breeze, a beautiful sunset, or a serene lake – may we find GENTLENESS every single day and may we be GENTLE spirits to others we meet.

Prayer:

Gentle Father, remind us every day to seek Your face and to seek a GENTLE spirit for all of those we come in contact with. Help us to remember how important it is to find a sense of GENTLENESS several times throughout the day. Amen.