“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal.5:22-23)
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and GENTLY lead those that are with young.” (Isa.40:11)
“Let your GENTLENESS be evident to everyone.” (Phil.4:5)
Lord Jesus, it won’t require 3 years of therapy to unpack the traumas of my life and layers of my story to explain my need and desire to be more gentle more of the time. It just requires your grace and my repentance. I won’t blame it on the humidity, being over ¾ of a century old, or having a one-year-old puppy.
I know I’m not alone because you have blessed my life with some of the best friends anyone can have this side of the new heaven and new earth. I also know you to be a most gentle, kind, and loving Savior—one who calls us into the always-in-session school of your gentleness (Matt.11:29). So hear our prayers.
- Gentle us when our bodies hurt, our hearts ache, and our minds race
- Gentle us when our fears have a louder voice in our hearts than our faith
- Gentle us when saving face motivates us more than your saving grace
- Gentle us when we feel more irritated with others than cherished by you
- Gentle us when temporal politics grip us more than your sovereign reign
- Gentle us when we get more joy in being noticed than giving your welcome
- Gentle us when people’s imperfections impact us more than your beauty
- Gentle us when we find a 99% empty milk carton in the refrigerator
- Gentle us when we forgot just how crazy traffic is once school starts back
- Gentle us when our partner misses an easy pickleball shot for the win
Hallelujah. Thank you. And So Very Amen
