Are You Gentle? - Devotional

GracetoYou.org ^ | 2001 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“Walk . . . with all . . . gentleness” (Ephesians 4:1-2).

To become more gentle, begin by looking closely at your attitudes.

We’ve determined that gentleness is essential for those who want to walk worthy. How can you tell if you’re gentle? I’ll give you some practical questions so you can evaluate yourself honestly.

First of all, are you self-controlled? Do you rule your own spirit (Prov. 16:32), or does your temper often flare up? When someone accuses you of something, do you immediately defend yourself, or are you more inclined to consider whether there’s any truth in what’s being said?

Second, are you infuriated only when God is dishonored? Do you get angry about sin or when God’s Word is perverted by false teachers?

Next, do you always seek to make peace? Gentle people are peacemakers. Ephesians 4:3 says they are “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” If someone falls into sin, do you condemn or gossip about that person? Galatians 6:1 instructs us to restore sinning brothers “in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Gossip and condemnation divide believers; forgiveness and restoration unite them. Gentle people don’t start fights; they end them.

Fourth, do you accept criticism without retaliation? Whether the criticism is right or wrong, you shouldn’t strike back. In fact, you can thank your critics, because criticism can show you your weaknesses and help you grow.

Finally, do you have the right attitude toward the unsaved? Peter says, “Always [be] ready to make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). If we’re persecuted, it’s easy for us to think, They can’t treat me like that—I’m a child of God. But God wants us to approach the unsaved with gentleness, realizing that God reached out to us with gentleness before we were saved (Titus 3:3-7).

Consider carefully your answers to these questions, and commit yourself to being characterized by gentleness. Remember that “a gentle and quiet spirit . . . is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).

Suggestions for Prayer

If any of these questions have pointed out deficiencies in your gentleness, ask God to strengthen those areas.

For Further Study

Paul was often criticized by those who wanted to usurp his authority over the church. Study Paul’s response to such people in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. Think about this passage’s application to events in your life.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[GOP Poet]

wonderful post. Thank you!!

[Roman_War_Criminal]

Awesome read - especially considering these turbulent times when the enemy is going to increasingly try to make us be the ‘evil ones’.

John 16:2
Matthew 24:9
Luke 6:22

[kosciusko51]

I have to say the last year has been trying on patience and gentleness...

[metmom]

What an understatement.

[metmom]

And so we enter the period of God’s judgment on America in 20 minutes or so.

I wish I had never seen it and grieve for what we’ve lost.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

This year is going to be hell on Earth.

Will The Lord tarry longer?

We better act like He will. I’ve taken a Paul mentality over the past 3 or 4 months as if massive persecution is coming. Think of it as another chance to win a crown!

[MAAG]

I’ve taken a Paul mentality over the past 3 or 4 months as if massive persecution is coming. Think of it as another chance to win a crown!!

I have always admired Paul's attitude concerning "opponents".

Philippians 1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

To Live Is Christ

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 [u]But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.

23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,

26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God.

29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf,

30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

Those are beautiful words penned there by Paul!

A wonderful mindset to have in the very very temporal world and existence.

Jesus further condemns our accusers with this towards our enemies:

John 8:44-47
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”