Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

GENTLE: AN IMPORTANT BIBLE “BE”

Gentleness in all of God's people is much set by in Holy Writ, both in admonition, and in examples set by Paul and other inspired writers. Paul said on one occasion, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient," 2 Timothy 2:4. Let's think about that for a brief moment!

As others, Christians also display a variety of attitudes, but they have one wonderful attitude that the world cannot possess. It is the attitude of Christ Jesus. Biblical examples and admonitions abound of less than desirable attitudes because the sin nature is not removed in spiritual salvation. It is left as the objective goal to conquer. One indignant minister of the cowboy mentality purportedly studied to "skin the sheep of his flock." Fortunately, he was reminded that sheep may be fleeced many times, but skinned only once. How much better then should all of God's people have the attitude of a loving, under-shepherd of His sheep rather than that of a roughshod cowboy!

The apostle Paul reminded the church at Corinth, and the church at Thessalonica that they were gentle among them, even as a nurse cherishes her children. He also taught the churches of Galatia that gentleness was very much a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22. One of the highest compliments that may be paid to a man is that he be known and called a gentleman. Such mildness and sensitivity to others is far from weakness, but indicates great strength of character. It also denotes an ability to stand fast for that which is right and good without lashing out in verbal disparagements of the character of others even if it seems they deserve such.

Perhaps the book of James is perceived as the most down to earth, pointedly expressed book of the New Testament. Yet James goes on to tell all who take the name of the Lord Jesus as a Christian that, " ... the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." James 3: 17.

So, in all the dealings one has with others, earnest prayer is in order that above the myriad of possible attitudes, gentleness might prevail. Be gentle: it is an important Bible "Be"

FOR THOUGHT: Have you ever wanted to give someone a piece of your mind, but thought better of it and showed Christian gentleness? How did that make you feel? Do you win a friend which you could have easily lost? WDJD! What did Jesus do?