Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Lord, if we are to keep the upper hand on our circumstances in 2022 help us implement the Apostle Paul’s outline for overcoming life’s difficulties, (Philippians 4:4-13). First, rejoicing with praise and worship in all circumstances, whether good or bad, ushers in, secondly, a grateful heart. However, nothing blocks the freedoms released by praise and worship more than complaining and griping about our circumstances. Our reactions to our situations and challenges is how God develops in believers the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, (Galatians 5:22, 23). Verse 5 says “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Gentleness doesn’t dominate or falsely judge others. A spirit of gentleness requires humility and a grateful heart. What better “fruit” identifies a believer than godly “gentleness?”
However, this dog-eat-dog, every-man-for-himself unbelieving world mistakes gentleness for weakness to be exploited. Far from it. God doesn’t call His followers to be door mats. Another definition of gentleness is “meekness,” which means “power under restraint.” Or self-control. The Holy Spirit equips the believer to show Christ’s love and respect in all interactions, hostile or friendly, yet remain firm with grace when need be. The devil attacks our “fruit” of self-control to stir up anger that leads to retaliation, which for Christ-followers, nullifies our confessions of faith. Thankfully God is faithful and is near His believers, strengthening our resolve to show Christ-like gentleness to this fallen world.
Thank You, Lord, for empowering us with a spirit of gentleness. Amen.
THANKFUL 
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