Gentleness will also avoid blunt speech and an abrupt manner, instead seeking to answer everyone with sensitivity and respect, ready to show consideration toward all. The gentle Christian does not feel he has the liberty to “say what I think and let the chips fall where they may.” Instead he is sensitive to the reactions of others to his words, and considerate of how others may feel about what he says. When he finds it necessary to wound with his words, he also seeks to bind up those wounds with words of consolation and encouragement.Avoid blunt speech and an abrupt manner. Answer with sensitivy and respect. Ready to show consideration toward all. The very things that need to happen in my life (and in my speech) when dealing with my children. I've shared before that I need to develop a more tender heart toward my children. I have two who really push my buttons and I find myself speaking harshly or raising my voice - neither of which should be happening for any reason. (well, okay - raising my voice if my child is about to run out in the street or otherwise put herself into danger - but that's not what I'm talking about here). I've spent this evening, since I read that, praying about putting on gentleness, kindness, mercy and tenderness. I'll be meditating more on how a soft answer turns away wrath and how as a parent I'm not to provoke my children to anger (yes, that specific verse addresses fathers, but I think it applies to mothers as well). I'll be praying that God will guard my tongue from harsh words, guard my heart from unkindness - that I will show my children gentleness, grace and mercy. How else will they learn about the love of God if they don't see me living it out? I'm so bad about trying to do it all under my own strength. Wood, hay, and stubble...that mess is going to burn in the end. I don't want to stand before God with my parenting in ashes...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Gentleness
I was reading another blog today and the writer quoted something from Jerry Bridges' book The Practice of Godliness regarding gentleness. Do you ever read something and you literally feel cut to the core? I mean, I seriously felt it in my chest when I read this quote...especially after the morning I had today. Bridges said:
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3 comments:
I feel your pain. This is an ongoing struggle for me as well. What's even worse is when I see my kids doing the same things I do and knowing that they learned it from me. Ugh! Thank you for sharing. That's a great quote by Bridges.
Let me encourage you...God can change you. I used to (still do on occasion) yell/scream all the time. I still have a horrid memory of sinning this way at church...ask me sometime and I'll tell you, don't want to put my sin up for all the world to read. I still blush when I think of it. To God be the glory that He has worked in my heart to change me. I'm not perfect and the change was gradual (sometimes I wonder if I've really changed) but God promises to give us our hearts desire when it is in line with His word, which gentleness is :) So be encouraged, friend, God will answer your prayers.
Girl, Praise the Lord that He does not leave us where we are. Thank God that his mercies are new every morning and that He gives you another opportunity to put into practice what you have learned. The only judge of how your are doing is the Lord and the holy spirit bringing conviction. You are a great mom! And, I know that I do not live with you, but I do see you being very gentle with your kids....(maybe because you are in public, Ha ha!!) You have given me much to think about today as I have already had to repent of anger....I think about this with the arrival of a new little one....will I blow it? Yes, I will but then I have people in my life, like you....who will help me see the bigger picture!!!
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