Jun 2011
14 Tue
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5
Paul has just finished asking the Philippian believers to encourage unity between two women in the church who, evidently, had been friends at one time, even working alongside Paul in the ministry, but were now at odds with one another. On the heels of that, Paul gives this exhortation to be gentle.
Gentleness does not come easy for most of us. It requires the laying down of our self-perceived rights and trusting that God, Himself, will be our defender. This is why Paul accompanies this exhortation with a great promise, "The Lord is near".
Trusting that the Lord is present helps us be more at peace, relaxed, and gentle. It's a quiet strength that come's from His presence.
wow. Laying down our self perceived rights and then trusting that God will be our great defender. That went straight to the heart. No wonder I am so defensive.. I just don't understand in my heart that He is my defender. Thank you for posting on this topic.
ReplyDeleteI like this blog ... Especially remembering that the Lord is our defender!
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