Thought for the Day

Gentleness and Kindness - the Enemy of Division

This is one of my favorite pictures of my daughter. In it, she is five years old and asking if she can hold her baby cousin. She knows she has to be careful and gentle because her cousin is just a baby. But she doesn't realize that she, too, is tiny and fragile. She believes herself to be a "big girl" and capable of taking on the world and taking care of her baby cousin.

Even as adults, we are no different. We are all still fragile... our hearts are capable of being hurt by unkind words and actions. That old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is completely untrue. Words can cause irreparable damage.

Followers of Jesus are called to share the gospel, but we are also taught to be gentle and kind. We are called to use our words and our actions to uplift and encourage, not to divide. Division is evil and is satan’s sword. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, and if we are harsh with our words in speaking the Gospel, then we risk turning those who are listening away from God.

We are all flawed. We are all broken. We are all sinners. We should remember this before we decide to “speak truth” to others. We should always, above all else, be kind.

Some scripture references from the New Living Translation of the Bible:

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT 

“Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:26 NLT 

“Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT 

“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 NLT 

“...you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT