Be Gentle

1 Kings 19:12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul." 

Ephesians 4:29-30 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

God often speaks in a gentle whisper. When God speaks in that gentle whisper, and we are still enough to listen, He can soothe our souls. Jesus tells us that He is gentle and humble in heart, and that we will find rest for our soul in Him. 

When I just think of the word "gentle" I naturally feel more peaceful. The word alone tends to still you and make you pause. The LORD instructs us to be gentle with each other. When you have the choice between a scowl and a smile, choose the smile. When you have the choice between a discouraging word and an encouraging word, choose encouragement. When you have the choice between a word that will cut someone down or build them up, choose the one that will build them up. In this world that is often harsh, choose gentleness.  

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I can be a blessing to someone today. I pray that when that choice arises in my day that I simply choose gentleness. Amen.