Word@Work Phil43 - Philippians 4:5
Published: Mon, 11/23/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
STRONG BUT GENTLE
Phil. 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV)
In many cultures, and especially in the world of business, gentleness is seen as weakness. Of course it is valued in the caring professions: nobody appreciates a rough nurse or harsh child care worker. But gentleness almost seems out of place in the traditionally strong roles in construction or corporate management. However, the Bible says otherwise. Gentleness is the strong characteristic of God Himself. It was part of Jesus' nature, and is one of the qualities the Holy Spirit grows inside people who follow Jesus.
This verse calls for God's powerful gentleness to be expressed. It was the Apostle Paul's personal behaviour pattern (see 1 Thess 2:7). It is not enough to have a peaceful heart if our behaviour is hostile; or to believe Bible truths when others are in fear of our verbal or physical attacks. Some think that if gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (see Gal 5:22) then God will do it automatically in us. But today's verse is a command to cooperate with God's Holy Spirit. God is working gentleness into us, but we have to work it out with others. That requires an agreement with God that gentleness should be our normal mode of relationship, and another decision to curb aggression and practise being gentle with each person we meet.
But gentleness is only possible if we know we are utterly secure. Otherwise the instinct of self-preservation, or the vice of self-advancement take over. Past experiences of being intimidated may have taught us to intimidate others, as a sort of self defence. But that ignores the fact that God loves us dearly and we are secure in Christ. He is watching over us to do us good. Yes, we may become victims of wickedness; but so did Jesus, yet He never reviled those who abused Him (see 1 Peter 2:21-23): like Him, even in suffering, we are safe. When Christ returns, He will be looking for people whose characters are like His. So, the prospect of His second coming is a healthy motivation to practise the heaven-inspired art of gentleness, before you get there. The workplace, with all its frustrations, pressure and excitement is an ideal place to do it!
Prayer: Gracious Lord. Thank You for this fresh reminder that I need to practise gentleness every day so that others can appreciate a little bit of heaven. Thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit who helps me to abandon old styles of self-protective behaviour, as I accept the security I have in Christ. May my lifestyle become a compelling witness, to my family, friends and colleagues, of the grace which flows from Jesus my Saviour. In His Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
In many cultures, and especially in the world of business, gentleness is seen as weakness. Of course it is valued in the caring professions: nobody appreciates a rough nurse or harsh child care worker. But gentleness almost seems out of place in the traditionally strong roles in construction or corporate management. However, the Bible says otherwise. Gentleness is the strong characteristic of God Himself. It was part of Jesus' nature, and is one of the qualities the Holy Spirit grows inside people who follow Jesus.
This verse calls for God's powerful gentleness to be expressed. It was the Apostle Paul's personal behaviour pattern (see 1 Thess 2:7). It is not enough to have a peaceful heart if our behaviour is hostile; or to believe Bible truths when others are in fear of our verbal or physical attacks. Some think that if gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (see Gal 5:22) then God will do it automatically in us. But today's verse is a command to cooperate with God's Holy Spirit. God is working gentleness into us, but we have to work it out with others. That requires an agreement with God that gentleness should be our normal mode of relationship, and another decision to curb aggression and practise being gentle with each person we meet.
But gentleness is only possible if we know we are utterly secure. Otherwise the instinct of self-preservation, or the vice of self-advancement take over. Past experiences of being intimidated may have taught us to intimidate others, as a sort of self defence. But that ignores the fact that God loves us dearly and we are secure in Christ. He is watching over us to do us good. Yes, we may become victims of wickedness; but so did Jesus, yet He never reviled those who abused Him (see 1 Peter 2:21-23): like Him, even in suffering, we are safe. When Christ returns, He will be looking for people whose characters are like His. So, the prospect of His second coming is a healthy motivation to practise the heaven-inspired art of gentleness, before you get there. The workplace, with all its frustrations, pressure and excitement is an ideal place to do it!
Prayer: Gracious Lord. Thank You for this fresh reminder that I need to practise gentleness every day so that others can appreciate a little bit of heaven. Thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit who helps me to abandon old styles of self-protective behaviour, as I accept the security I have in Christ. May my lifestyle become a compelling witness, to my family, friends and colleagues, of the grace which flows from Jesus my Saviour. In His Name. Amen.
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