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Are We More Like a Porcupine or a Golden Lab?

  “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Phil 4.5). “The imperishable, unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight” (1 Pet. 3:4). “We were gentle among you…” (1 Thess. 2:7). “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov. 15:1).

 

Lord Jesus, as with all the Scriptures, these passages immediately make us think of you. Of all the ways you could have described yourself, “gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:19) stands out to us.  Every time we orient our hearts towards you, you greet us, “grace” us, and grant us exactly what we need. So, what do you need early in this month of October?

By the truth and riches of the Gospel, gentle us, “de-harsh” us, and fill us with your humility. At a time when many are easily triggered, thinned-skinned, and suspicious of “the other,” grant us the revolutionary power of a non-anxious, non-judgmental, caring presence. Make our default mode “calling down grace,” not fire (Luke 9:54). Why is “rightness” easier for us than kindness, Lord?

In the world of animal-metaphors, anybody can be like a Porcupine—covered in barbs and reactionary. We’d prefer to offer the welcome, eye-contact, and kindness of a Golden Lab. Jesus, you spoke this world into existence. Please speak quietness, peace, and tenderness deep into our hearts.

Liberate us for your glory and our tongues for your praise. Continue to show us where we’re not as free as you intend, joyful as you pray, or trusting as you deserve. May our gentleness grow more and more evident to all. So Very Amen, we pray.

 

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