Day 100/260: Read Philippians 4

If someone were to ask your neighbors to describe you in one word, what word would they use? Would gentleness be among those words chosen?

Paul said, “Let your gentleness be known to all men.” How you treat the people around you—not only those with whom you agree, but all men—is extremely important.

The church in Corinth, full of problems, needed to repent. Paul said he was coming to them, and gave them a choice: “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21).

Gentleness is a characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It should be the attitude we exhibit as we seek to restore our erring brethren (Galatians 6:1). It should be an identifying mark of our Christian walk (Ephesians 4:1-3). It is a qualification for the leaders of the church (1 Timothy 3:3).

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

A “gentle and quiet spirit…is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). Perhaps that is why Christ described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” when He offered an invitation to those “who labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Philippians 2:4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Pray

Pray for a gentle spirit, and opportunities to show your gentleness to your friends.