Day 19
If Only
Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5
“What is your problem?” the frustrated man shouted rudely at the waitress. She looked frazzled, her hands trembling as she apologized. It seemed she might be in her first week on the job, still learning the ropes. If only the man knew this young woman had been working at the restaurant for five years. That morning, she had lost her grandmother and was struggling to hold herself together.
“Get out of my way!” the man yelled at the slow-moving “wide load” truck merging onto the freeway ramp. Clearly in a rush, he was forced to slow down behind the large vehicle, unable to pass due to the tight construction barriers. He leaned on his horn, making obscene gestures and shouting angrily. If only he knew that the truck driver was navigating as carefully and efficiently as possible under challenging circumstances.
“I want to speak to your manager! I don’t think you’re educated enough to help me with my account!” A woman on a Zoom call snapped at the bank’s customer service representative, her frustration evident. If only she knew that the employee had just returned to work after having a baby. The mom had spent weeks in the ICU with her infant and was now trying to catch up with a new software system while operating on almost no sleep.
All of us have likely found ourselves in one of these scenarios—either as the angry person reacting without full understanding or as the recipient of someone else’s harsh words. Proverbs 25:15 reminds us, “Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem.” Every person we encounter is made in the image of God and deserves the same grace and mercy our Heavenly Father extends to us.
Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 11:29, “…I am gentle and humble in heart.” What if we chose to reflect His character instead of responding in anger? Our world is already overflowing with conflict and individuals quick to take offense. But we have the opportunity to stand apart. Let’s aim to leave a legacy of love and embrace the call of 1 Peter 3:4 to “…be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
In John 8:7, Jesus says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” His response to the Pharisees who accused a woman of adultery was not condemnation but compassion. This reflects His command to us in Colossians 3:12: “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience...”
Norman Bartlett, in Galatians and You, writes, “It cannot be too strongly insisted upon that meekness is not weakness. It is strength held under control; power kept in reserve. Steam does the most work when it makes the least noise.”
FURTHER REFLECTION:
This week, how can you reflect the gentleness of Christ in your interactions with others? Whose life can you impact with gentleness and patience? Let’s choose to lead with love.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of gentleness. Help me to live a life that honors and glorifies You in every word and action. Be with me throughout my day, guiding my steps and making me a steadfast reflection of Your goodness. When frustration arises, remind me to extend the same grace and mercy to others that You have so freely given me. Fill my heart with compassion and patience, and let my words and deeds shine as a light in this dark world. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Titus 3:2, Galatians 6:1-2, Proverbs 16:21
by Heather Morgan