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Devotional for May 12, 2020

Being Gentle

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:5 NIV)

In many places, the time of transition from full quarantine to opening up various economies and loosening restrictions is taking place. As a result, many are expressing their opinions about if and how this ought to take place, both in public discourse and on social media. Much heated rhetoric has been expressed, as, understandably, it is a frustrating time. Many people are anxious to know when work may resume, people's favorite restaurants and other public meeting places and venues may open, and life as before may resume in some fashion. There have also been rather hurtful and offensive insinuations and accusations made against individuals, political figures, companies, even churches.

However, as believers in Jesus, we are blessed with he Holy Spirit. And one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is gentleness; gentleness is one of God's many characteristics. The Holy Spirit daily transforms us to become more like God and reflect His nature: therefore, He transforms us to reflect His characteristics even more, especially His gentleness. this means we ask the Holy Spirit for the ability to help us practice gentleness in our thoughts, speech, and actions towards ourselves and others.

We are therefore encouraged: the next time we might desire to express a frustration or criticism towards anyone, whether on social media, in public discourse, or even in our own thoughts, we ought to consider whether doing so truly reflects God's gentleness. We ought to choose our words, and how we express them, carefully. It is specific people, people we may even know personally, to whom we with so express our views, and so we ought to consider how the other person may feel about what we say and how we act. After all, criticism can hurt, and not only unjustly hurts those whom we criticize, but also can give us a certain reputation. We ought to consider what sort of reputation we give to Christians in general by how we act and respond with our thoughts and words. How we act towards others, especially in the public sphere and on social media, influences how others may think of followers of and believers in Jesus. We therefore ought to consider how God would treat those whom we may wish to attack, and consider that God deals with us, and others, with patience and forbearance. Perhaps there are even occasions when saying nothing, or simply holding our thoughts to ourselves, is the wisest and most gentle approach. In everything we say and do today, and especially as this current situation continues to be resolved, let us reflect God's gentleness.

Dear God, help me to be gentle towards myself and others, as you are gentle towards me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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