Meekness is a required trait for God’s people! We’re called to be mild and fair. God’s people are supposed to be emotionally calm and stable and not have tantrums or outbursts.
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
The solution to this gentleness is found within the above verses. The scripture tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. It doesn’t tell us to rejoice in our circumstances, neither does it tell us to rejoice in people. On the other hand, we always have a reason to rejoice in God! When we choose to rejoice in Him, it changes our attitude and mood. It takes us from a place of defeat, frustration, or sadness, to a place of serenity, calmness, and contentment.
We are admonished to make our gentleness be evident to all. That means we are not only gentle with those we like/need in our lives, but we are also gentle with those that are difficult or rude. We shouldn’t change based on the person we are interacting with. If God has truly developed meekness in us, then we will continue to exhibit and portray God’s nature regardless of the circumstances around us.
In verse 7 above, it tells us not to be anxious about anything. Sometimes the lack of gentleness comes from being anxious. When we think we can’t control/change something, it can lead us to being rough, edgy, and short with people. The scripture tell us to submit and surrender our anxiety to God and give him thanks for who He is and what He has done in our lives.
Surrendering our anxiety gives us the ability to gain His peace in spite of our circumstances. People and situations may not change right away. We may still not understand why things are happening the way they are, but we can have a peace that goes beyond our understanding. Where in the past we may have blown up on innocent friends, family members, or coworkers, the changed state of mind, spirit, and emotions helps us to be gentle even in tough situations.
Praise God for His word and His grace carrying us through life!
For comments, please email me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com