Do You Have A Gentle Spirit?


What is the 'spirit' in which we are to restore someone? The spirit of gentleness. 'If anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.' More than likely, the person is already hurting and as fragile as glass; condemnation will only worsen their plight. Understanding and acceptance - not agreement - are what's needed here.

The spirit of love and empathy. Paul writes, 'Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ', Galatians (6:2). In this passage the word 'burden' means 'a heavy load'. It means being willing to walk with them, weep with them and work with them until they've been restored. If the hurting cannot find grace, love and healing in the family of God, where can they go to find it?

We are very thankful, Father, that in the process of our spiritual growth You remind us of the importance of gentleness: Your Word not only instructs us in what we're to do, it also shows us how to do it. We remember what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians he gently dealt with them as a mother with a nursing child. Help us, Father, to have that kind of gracious, gentle spirit - especially those of us who tend to be impatient with others who are not as quick on their feet, or those of us who are healthy and lack compassion for others who are not as strong, or those of us who find delight in accomplishments but lack empathy for others who are not as productive. It's so easy for all of us - if not verbally, at least in our minds - to compete, to look down on others, to complain and to compare. May we, through Your Spirit's power, become more like our gentle Savior, who promised, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Like our Master and Lord, may our encounters with others be easy and bring light. Meet our needs in a very special way, especially our need for a gentle and quiet spirit.

In the name of Your gracious Son Jesus. Amen.