Gentleness

What does it mean to be gentle?  To be honest we struggled to define gentleness, is it a demeanor?  Is it a degree of action?  Is it just like kindness?  We concluded that it is the way in which one behaves; rooted in positive intentions.  When we look at the story of Nabal and Abigail we see a woman filled with gentleness.

Nabal was approached by King David’s men who were asking for food in gratitude for keeping Nabal’s men safe.  Nabal replied harshly, and stated that he would not favor their request and that for him to do so would be absurd.  David became furious and threatened his own life if he failed to punish Nabal for this mistreatment.   Abigail heard of the news from a servant and acted immediately.  She gathered food and wine and went to David to beg for forgiveness for her husband’s actions in an attempt to save her family.  The next words she uttered showed respect for David, compassion for her husband and honor to God.  David accepted her apology and granted her request.  Her next actions further displayed the extent of her gentleness.  She returned home and found her husband feasting like a king.  He was high in spirits and very drunk.  Rather than chastising him there, she chose to act in gentleness.  Abigail waited until the next morning to tell Nabal what had happened.

What we can glean from the story of Nabal and Abigail is that gentleness requires compassion, kindness and humility.  Gentleness and the accompanying characteristic are not possible without a daily outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Gentleness reflects a transformed mind and attitude.  It is a consistent response that seeks a peaceful and positive solution to what is happening around you.  Gentleness is a powerful weapon in diffusing negative or difficult situations.

God uses gentleness in a powerful way to draw us to him.  God gave Nabal 10 days to repent for his sinful and foolish ways.  Nabal’s failure to do so caused his demise.  When we think of our own sinful ways it is comforting to see how God’s gentleness is always evident.  It is reflected in how He tailors our experiences to teach us.  God’s persistence in drawing us closer to Him and the versatility of his measures exhibits His gentleness.  Gentleness in our actions portrays the depth and extent of God’s endless love. 

To being wise,

Meredith, Jennifer and Marisa

Faithfulness

Trust, it’s something many of us struggle with.  Whether we like it or not we have to trust people all day, all the time.  If you were to ask people, many would say that trust is something to be earned.  In reality, we choose to trust others before they actually earn it. 

Now we know some may not agree with our statements above, but let us explain.

From the time we are born we trust our caretakers implicitly.  We are completely reliant on others; we are forced to trust because we are completely helpless.  As we grow we are taught by our caregivers who and what to trust in life.  And in this, lies the beginning of our choice to trust.  Going back to our previous statement, we trust people before they actually earn it.  That trust may be motivated by necessity; however it is a choice we have to make.  When we get into a cab, we trust that the driver is not going to kidnap us, murder us, etc.  Other times we choose to trust others in our personal relationships because we all have the need to be loved and accepted.  When you meet someone new and you think you could be friends, you choose to spend time with them trusting that they will be kind to you.  When you are dating someone past the third date mark, you choose to continue seeing them trusting that they will treat you well and there is potential in that relationship.  It is only when we choose to trust, that growth is possible in a relationship.  To maintain a relationship, the trust that is given must be reciprocated and that is how trust is earned.  We are sure you are well aware that trust can be broken.  That is why extramarital affairs are so painful.  They reveal a terrifying vulnerability; because trust has already been earned in that relationship and then it is broken.  In a situation where restoration is an option, the wronged individual must choose to trust again without any reassurance.  It is a leap of faith.

Trust requires faith.  Who better to use as an example of faithfulness than Daniel?  Daniel resolved to trust God wholeheartedly, confident that God would prove His faithfulness.  He had a keen understanding of God’s sovereignty and was committed mentally, spiritually and physically to preserving God’s presence in his life.  He did this by refraining from anything that would defile his mind or his body and upheld the law of God without fail.  As a result, the individuals of the satraps, could find no corruption in him or charge any offence in him without manipulation.  Daniel was so distinguished and exhibited such exceptional qualities among his peers, his colleagues had to devise a plan to defame his character.  Knowing that they would not be able to catch Daniel doing wrong, they created a law that put Daniel’s faithfulness to the test.  Because faithfulness leads to predictability, Daniel was convicted.

Faithfulness is not a guarantee against hardship.  Faithfulness enables God’s character and glory to be manifested within us.  Just like Daniel, if we choose to trust God, His faithfulness will, in turn, inspire our consistency and commitment to Him.  This is where the devil preys on us as Christians.  He knows that the more we lack faithfulness, the less we will mirror Christ.  It is only through our faithfulness that we receive and maintain God’s excellent spirit within us.

To being wise,

Meredith, Jennifer and Marisa