''You're being too rough with me!'' I've heard it, thought it, and said it before. I think this is how impatience shows its ugly head. It's not an easy thing to be at the mercy of the hands of someone else. Have you ever played that game where you fall backwards into someone else's arms? It's supposed to teach you trust but sometimes we aren't given the choice. We have to trust and hope they're gentle. Sometimes we think we can make a square peg go thru a round hole, if we just force it a little more.
I think the caption above uses a cat as a prime example of gentleness. Have you ever tried to catch a cat? It does take a gentle touch with a patient hand. They are quick and know when you're up to something. When we share the Word with others, we must use gentleness in our approach or the listener may too run off. Donald Gee, gave another illustration I like. ''A guide was taking a group of visitors through a factory. One of the things he showed them was a giant steam hammer capable of flattening an automobile. Then the guide put down a walnut and had the hammer break the shell without hurting the meat of the nut. What an illustration of gentleness as power under perfect control!''
Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Therefore, it should play out in all areas of our lives. Gentle words, gentle actions and gentle thoughts. Philippians 4:5 ''Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.''
''In our daily lives we cannot help coming into situations that bring conflicts with people. It is easy for us in the natural to react with violence or anger, especially if we feel insecure in our position. But when we accept the reality of who we are in Christ and trust the Holy Spirit to help us, we can be gentle, whatever conflicts may arise.''
Colossians 3:12 ''Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.''