Approaching others with love and a gentle spirit.

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My niece recently got to hold this baby chick. I marvel at the wonder on her face and the gentleness of how she is holding the little bird. The chick seems calm and safe in her hands. God holds us so gently in His hands and watches our every move. He knows how firmly yet gently to hold us so we can be confident in His protection and care. We know that He has only the best for us by how He cares for us.

Gentleness is underrated in our world, except in the occasional video or photo of a child, like my niece holding a soft furry animal. We are not a very gentle society—we dismiss people when our ideologies don’t align, disrespect those with opposing views of religion or politics, even bully others using social media at the slightest provocation of what we think are our rights. Of course it’s been this way since sin entered the world, so it’s not like we can change anything, right? Yet when Jesus came to earth He showed us by example that it’s possible to hold each other in a gentle loving way—His way.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Ephesians 4:2 New Living Translation

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 New Living Translation

As we meet people throughout our day, whether they are family or friends, acquaintances or neighbors, strangers or enemies, God asks us to hold these people He created as we would hold a baby chick—with the utmost care and gentleness. Focus on their well-being as you would anything in your care, for God holds us gently and has entrusted us to care for each other. Consider their circumstances, calm those whose hearts are hurting, comfort those who are in pain, rejoice with those who are celebrating—reach out with His peace to all with a soothing word and unrestricted love. Hold them in your heart as Jesus holds you in His gentle hand.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15 New Living Translation

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