“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
We see a lot of outrage in our society. It seems as if we have collectively lost the ability to speak to one another with gentleness. Instead we insist upon hot rhetoric and harsh retorts. In the world of digital communication, it is the same. In fact, the lack of face-to-face interaction can often encourage an indignant tone and vocabulary.
The good news is that this type of environment provides Christians with an opportunity to be truly countercultural. God has given us His Spirit, the same Spirit who gently convinces hearts of the truth of the gospel and subdues sinners to Jesus. As Spirit-filled people, we show wisdom when we act gently in the face of others’ wrath, trusting that God will use our kindness to turn it away.
Even with those caught in sin, we must be gentle (see Galatians 6:1). For they are as burdened under the consequences of their choices as you and I are in our sin. Remember, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He was gentle with us while He took His Father’s wrath for our wrongdoing.
The good news is that this type of environment provides Christians with an opportunity to be truly countercultural. God has given us His Spirit, the same Spirit who gently convinces hearts of the truth of the gospel and subdues sinners to Jesus. As Spirit-filled people, we show wisdom when we act gently in the face of others’ wrath, trusting that God will use our kindness to turn it away.
Even with those caught in sin, we must be gentle (see Galatians 6:1). For they are as burdened under the consequences of their choices as you and I are in our sin. Remember, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He was gentle with us while He took His Father’s wrath for our wrongdoing.
Scripture Focus
Luke 22:47-53
Insight
Gentleness becomes such a part of us that it is even considered part of the “clothing” with which we ought to adorn ourselves (see 1 Peter 3:4).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 17-18
- Psalm 112
- Romans 15-16
