March 24, 2011

Gentleness and Meekness

Our choir director has been leading us in brief devotions on the Fruit of the Spirit during each rehearsal. Last night's was about gentleness and meekness.

I confess that know what gentleness is, but have always been unsure exactly where meekness is. To me meekness was just another word for weakness. But thanks to the devotion I now have a clearer understanding.

Gentleness is how you actively treat others. Meekness is how you receive the treatment of others. Here the Scripture is also instructive. Meekness is humbleness of heart. It allows you to hold another's soul in your heart, because your heart is in God's. (See Matt. 11:28-30.)

This means that meekness allows you to contain the hopes, fears, anxieties, joys, and anger of another person in such a way that it gives that person rest, peace.

Instead of being a sign of weakness, meekness requires strength and stamina. It requires a strong, loving heart, which is only possible with an infusion of grace from the Holy Spirit.

These days, we all need rest. Who can count on you today to help them find peace?

Grace and Peace,
Kathy

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