Gentle

I
nstructi
ons
Devot
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ByDon
 Gentle Instructions
(Emphasize gentle and gentleness)
2017

Gentleness: The value and quality of ones character (Wikipedia) it

involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior
toward others. (GotQuestions.org)

One weekend I attended a memorial service in Washington, D.C.. We gathered at

large national church to remember and commemorate the life of Norman, a truly
gentle man I had met and gotten to know at a mens retreat. Many had been
touched richly by Normans life and they shared what he had taught them. For me,
it was Normans gentleness that had stamped an impression on my heart and mind.
In thinking about the service before and after, I was prompted to see what Scripture
and others had to say about gentleness.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be
evident to all. Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Christs gentleness is a model for us to follow, as we tangle with everyday

challenges and need reminders to return to His path. One such reminder comes in
the form of a hymn, Lord of All Hopefulness, the last verse of which reads (or
sings), Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,Whose voice is contentment,
Whose presence is balm,Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,Your
peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

When Paul talked about gentleness in the Philippians 4:5 verse, he didnt just make
a suggestion; he gave an instruction. What struck me about Norman was the power
of his gentleness. It commanded attention; it stamped an impression. It became an
instruction. It also made itself available to allmuch like the aroma of Christ we
have all heard about. Listen to James as he notes the availability of gentleness,
while tying it in with wisdom:
From James 3:17 18 (NAB) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then
peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconsistency or
insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate
peace.

But what guidelines might we have, you ask, to gain this gentleness? Peter shares
these guidelines and tells us why this characteristic is important:
From 1 Peter 3:3 4 (NAB): Your adornment should not be an external one;
braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the
hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and
calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God.

One of my life verses is 2 Timothy 2:24-25a (NAB):

A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to
teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness.

This verse serves as a reminder in those times I lose my gentleness. At the service, I
said that I remembered Norman as a slave of the Lord.

In Colossians 3:12-13 (NAB), Paul further instructs us to put gentleness on:

Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving
one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so
must you also do.

And I love a passage by Henry Nouwen, who provides another reminder of the
strength in gentleness. As you hear it, picture Norman and the impression stamped
by the gentleness Henry Nouwen describes, and think of someone you know, who
reflects this gentleness.

Once in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a

society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done
and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success,
accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for
gentleness in such a milieu [a persons social environment].

Gentle is the one who does not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick
(Matthew 12:20). Henry then goes on to say, Gentle is the one who is attentive to the
strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than
accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks
tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth
requires nurture, not force. Lets dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and
often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God
among us.

Remembering that God deals with us in patience, and gentleness can give us a cause
to rejoiceas well as a much needed reminder to let our gentleness be evident to all.
Now sing with this British congregation about our Lord of all Hopefullness . and of
all Gentleness : https://youtu.be/LCBjxVP6GWE
 Gentle Verses

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be
evident to all. Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits, without inconsistency or insincerity. And the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. James 3:17-18
(NAB)

Your adornment should not be an external one; braiding the hair, wearing gold
jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart,
expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is
precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NAB)

A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to
teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. 2 Timothy 2:24-25a (NAB)

Put on then, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving
one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so
must you also do. Colossians 3:12 13 (NAB)

Gentle is the one who does not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering
wick. Matthew 12:20

Video of Lord of All Hopefullness: https://youtu.be/LCBjxVP6GWE

British congregation

Norman Bryant - 2004