I'm Doing My Best

A fellow colleague shared a great statement with me yesterday. When I asked how her day was going, she replied, "I am doing my best." What a life statement...daily mantra...a North Star! It involves trying your hardest and performing as well as you can to achieve a goal, even if the situation is difficult. It emphasizes giving full effort and putting forth maximum sustainable exertion. Striving for peak performance and not giving up easily is the focus…pushing for the highest degree of quality, setting your sites on the marvelous and magnificent, or pursuing excellence.

It immediately registered with me that each beginning, unfolding, and the end of each day should be measured in this same manner. The motivation for today is to give my very best efforts to whatever challenges I may face. As my day unfolds, I must seek this goal of giving my best efforts…stunning or first-rate…as often as possible and certainly where necessary. Then as I prepare for a night of rest, I can reflect on the entire day by asking, "Did I give today the very best I have to offer?" “Was today’s work outstanding?” There will be painful days when my best simply isn't enough--I must grow, but there will also be times when pursuing my best exceeds all normal expectations and standards. My dear friends, that is the tension we all live with because we have not given up on others or ourselves. Living to the fullest is not an accident nor a casual stroll...it demands discipline, intentionality, and commitment to this goal of producing my very best! This is satisfactory…fulfilling… inspirational, and appropriate. So... let us consciously choose to give today our very 'best.' I believe such actions please the Lord.

In God's Furnace

Gal. 5:16-26, (16, 18, 25); Prov. 17:3; 27:21

SUBJECT: Power for Purity

                                                                                   

THEME: Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold. Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is purity of heart.”

RELEVANCE: God not only removes the impurities from our lives and character, but he endeavors to refine and improve our lives in pursuit of the likeness to Jesus Christ. While he certainly subtracts the wickedness and sin, he also installs holy fruit and habits instead. The imagery of a furnace appears frightening, but it is important for us to understand how intensely God desires to develop the image of Christ in each of us. His fire will edify and purge the believer’s heart and habits; He will lead us into more effective series of positive changes resulting in purity and usefulness. 

INTRODUCTION:

Refining is the process of reducing the impurities in a substance. You can't turn crude oil into gasoline without first refining it. ... Refining can also mean the act of making something more efficient, such as a business process, or clear, such as an idea or argument. (Vocabulary.com) Often the Lord uses the metaphor of refining to point to his gracious and transformative work in the believers heart, character, and behaviors.

Proverbs 27:21, As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; So is a man to his praise.^[a]

Proverbs 17:3, The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: But the Lord trieth the hearts.^[b]

Precious metals are separated (extracted), purified, and concentrated through the refining process. As a result refined metals are more precious and valuable than raw ore. Many believers have emerged from the furnace of affliction more beautiful, refined and more useful to God than before.

Spiritual refining involves divine and human activities. The believer is to refine his praise to the Lord, and the Lord will test the hearts of believers to refine our character. Note the phrase in both passages, “the furnace for gold.” Yes, the furnace is for purifying and refining gold. Gold is one of the most valuable metals on the planet; refining is for improving that which is valuable and precious. The refining involves removing the impurities AND concentrating the valuable metal for higher usages and purposes. This is precisely the Lord’s express purpose in Malachi 3:2-3, which says,

But who may abide the day of his coming?

And who shall stand when he appeareth?

For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:

And he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.^[c]

Likewise, the Lord still undertakes to refine our character, clarify our purpose, raise us to higher endeavors, and use us in more meaningful ways and services for his glory.

Psalm 12:6, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

It is God's ambition and hopefully our desire to refine and improve the quality of our faith, character and service unto the Lord. Though we are tried seven times in a furnace, our hope is to come forth as gold. Is this desire in your heart? Do you yearn to be more like the Lord Jesus? Really...do you want this?

The Spirit’s Refining Fire—Cultivating Christ-Likeness in God’s Furnace (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Spirit’s Fire Refines our Faith in God, Increases our Value to Others, Improves the Quality of our Character, and Heightens our usefulness in God’s Service. By developing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, the Holy Spirit transforms the quality of our Christian experience by adding tremendous value.

Gal. 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.^[d]

The more the Spirit fills and controls our minds and hearts the more this fruit will be evident in our character, expressions and ministry. It is vital for us to understand that bearing fruit is a supernatural production wrought by God's Spirit.

Dr. W. MacDonald agrees and comments on this passage saying,

It is significant that the apostle distinguishes between the works of the flesh, and the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:5). They differ as a factory and a garden differ. Note that fruit is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness. All the virtues now listed describe the life of the child of God. Dr. C. I. Scofield has pointed out that every one of them is foreign to the soil of the human heart.^[e]

Concerning the dynamics of the “fruit of the Spirit,” and how this fruit is produced Dr. D. K. Campbell writes,

It is important to observe that the fruit here described is not produced by a believer, but by the Holy Spirit working through a Christian who is in vital union with Christ (cf. John 15:1–8). The word “fruit” is singular, indicating that these qualities constitute a unity, all of which should be found in a believer who lives under the control of the Spirit. In an ultimate sense this “fruit” is simply the life of Christ lived out in a Christian. It also points to the method whereby Christ is formed in a believer (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:21).^[f]

Again this is not merely people learning more, acquiring new skills, or broadening their experience. While these developmental strategies are employed, the outcomes are utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit. This is God shaping Christ-likeness (character) in you and me.  Yes, we all have some kind of character whether good or bad, but this is the choice jewel of all character development--to be conformed to the image of God's precious Son! What an extraordinary honor for us! 

One more foundational observation is necessary at this point, and it can be grasped in Galatians 5:5. This passage testifies to the fact that there is an inter-dependence between the Spirit of God and the believer to produce righteousness in us. Note thoughtfully what the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:5, "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."^[g]

Don't miss his emphasis..."for we through the Spirit"! This is the vital relationship highlighting a collaborative exchange between us and the Lord. The word “wait” refers to looking and eagerly anticipating a virtuous and honorable lifestyle—the constant practice of righteousness. Ultimately, this is glorification, but immediately it refers to sanctification. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, an attitude of intense yearning and an eager waiting for holiness resides in us. Such a godly and holy lifestyle can be constantly produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit as we trust him for it and yield our entire being to Him. While this is not sinless perfection, it is an active desire for living free of sinful practices and being drenched with the power of God unto continuing holy expression. This desire—this passion for godliness—this longing and dependence upon the Spirit for right-ness—is evidence of holy refining fire within! Are you on fire for God? Does a holy passion for right-ness abide in you? Is it consuming you? 

1.     One Purpose of the Holy Spirit’s Indwelling is to Refine Believers and Cultivate Christ-like Character within us.

A.    To Produce the Fruit of the Spirit—Christ-like Character. The beautiful fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness, and temperance, and this is our character (Gal 5:22-23). God refines by His Spirit.

B.    To Take Great Care in Developing Holy Character. We must actually and actively add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (2Pet. 1:5-8). God commands us to give all diligence to add to our faith! That is throw yourself into it. Please do not confuse this with fleshly or carnal human strength or effort! We have an obligation to cooperate with the Spirit to cultivate higher quality in our character. Character develops through our decisions and the deliberate development of holy habits.

C.    God aims to produce fine gold in you and me! Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

D.    Choose a Spirit-filled Life to be truly Fruitful and Refined deep within.

E.    Walk daily in the Spirit’s Power and Grace—by faith depend on Him to Produce the Fruit of the Spirit in your experience (Gal. 5:16, 22, 23).

F.     Relationally, such believers are gracious, pleasant, well-adjusted, capable, and great to be around and to work with.

2.     God has Specific Processes and a Clear Purpose for Refining Believers.

A.    God uses the Process of Persecution to Refine us (1Pet. 1:7).

B.    God uses the Process of Intense Trails (often in series) to Refine Us (Js. 1:2-8).

C.    God uses the Process of Corrective Judgments to Refine us (Isa. 1:25; 48:10; Jer. 9:7; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2, 3).

D.    God uses the Process of Heart Examinations to Refine us (Jdg. 7:4 (Gideon’s men); Pss. 17:3b; 26:2b; 66:10).

E.    Trust the Lord to Choose the Best Processes for you and Cooperate with Him fully.

F.     Such believers can be greatly used of the Lord for special ministry and service in a broken and hurting world.

G.   God’s purpose in refinement is Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-29; 2Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:22).

             3.     But, Commitment and Cooperation with The Refining Process are My Responsibility.

A.    Aspire to be a Faithful and Useful Servant of God by giving Careful Adherence to God’s Word (2Tim. 2:15-23).

B.    Engender a Habit of Regular Self-Examination and make Changes that align your Life with God’s Will. Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 

C.    Surrender to the Spirit to Produce His Graceful Fruit in your Experience (Gal. 5:22-23).

D.    Throw yourself into Developing Real Christian Character (2Pet. 1:5-8).

4. Refining Fire Will Involve Afflictions and Trials, But It Will Also Bring Eternal Glory.

A.    2 Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

B.    God will be with you through the night seasons!

C.    The Refiner’s Fire—As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:3) She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, ‘How do you know when the silver is fully refined?’ He smiled at her and answered, ‘Oh, that’s easy — when I see my image in it.’

               5.     The Refining of Believers Requires Fire (Testing, Persecutions, Corrective Judgments, Self-Examinations, and the Ministry of the Spirit).

A.    Isa. 1:25, And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

B.    Fire—or Intense Temperature—is used to Melt and Purify Metals (1 Pet.1:6-9). This image was applied to God's people (1 Pet. 4:12-19) repeatedly! (Read also about the comfort God affords in 2Cor. 1:3-7).

C.    Watch out for Resentment and Anger! Guard against resenting the Lord’s authority or refuse to become angry with the Lord because of the challenges he uses in your experiences. Do not allow yourself to doubt his wisdom, love, or power. Resist the need or desire to control your circumstances; yield control to the Lord and trust his love and efforts to be for your good.  

D.    God works to Cleanse Believers of All the Father deems Impure. The Holy Spirit literally burns sin out of us so that we won’t burn in our sinful desires. Recall what Paul wrote in Romans 8:10-11, And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

E.    The result of the Spirit’s Influence is Spiritual Refinement and Power.

1.Reduced impurities in the heart, mind, spirit, and soul.

2.Enhanced skills, sharper vision, proven strategies, and advanced leadership skills.

3.Refined and free from coarse, unsuitable, or immoral characteristics! 

4.Refined spiritually in manners, lifestyle, and speech.

5.Polished for special, unique, and delicate areas of service! (Mal. 3:3)

Conclusion:

Like a refiner purifying gold, God uses a furnace to refine and improve the quality of believers’ faith, character and service. We must maintain a yielded, cooperative, and participating attitude to come forth as the finest gold.

Romans 12:1, says, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Isn’t it time to present ourselves to God once and for all? He obviously has great plans for us, but are you willing to be refined in His furnace? There are many in line to get a title, a position, to have some power or authority…. There is no want for people who want recognition for their involvement and volunteering…. The question before us is, are you ready to change for the better by the fire of God’s Spirit? Is there a burning passion in you to truly become more like Jesus?

Perhaps our need is still more along the lines of cleansing and purging? Will you pray with the Psalmist?

Psalm 139:23, says, Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psalm 51:10, says, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Can God show you where you are from His perspective? Will you submit to His thorough examinations? Is there a cry in you to be recreated deep within…to have a clean heart? Do you yearn for personal revival? 

Remember this truth: “The price of spiritual power is a purity of heart.” Ask God to reveal anything that might hinder His flow of power in your life.

• Do I treasure deceptive and misleading goals, sinful-worldly pleasures, Christ-dishonoring habits, ugly pride, myself or my friends?
• Have I fully submitted to the authority of my Lord expressed in the Bible by refusing conformity to this world while choosing the transforming power of a spiritually renewed mind (Romans 12:1, 2)?

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^[a] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 27:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[b] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 17:3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[c] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mal 3:2–3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[d] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:22–23). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[e] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1894). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[f] Campbell, D. K. (1985). Galatians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 608). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[g] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 5:5). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Our Pursuit and Destiny

2 Peter 1

Peter, the spiritual slave and specially "sent one" of the Lord Jesus, addresses himself to fellow believers who possess the very same precious faith.  We believers have received the righteousness of God through faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.  The primary thrust of Peter’s communications is growth in the Lord through the precious Word of God.  He does not want believers to be immature, lazy, unproductive, and insecure regarding our standing before the Lord. God would have each of us compelled by a vision of maturity as our pursuit and eternal destiny. Are you passionate about growth in godliness?

Through the full personal and experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ, God’s grace and peace can be multiplied in life! This wonderfully issues into meaningful virtuous and godly lifestyles for the people of Christ. Such developments are made possible by the power and calling of a God of brilliant glory and virtue. This is our calling! He has given believers promises that exceed greatness… hope filled encouragements that are truly precious and valuable. Why? It is because they literally fuel our highest God-given dreams and enable our profound spiritually comprehensive transformation in Christ! Beloved, they enable us to share in the divine nature of God and break utterly free from the corrupting influences of this world system.

While we have been given these incredible opportunities, we believers must be zealous and diligent about maturing in the Lord and taking on the character of our gracious Lord Jesus Christ.  Such glorious qualities must be cultivated with determination and constancy thereby ensuring productivity and fruitfulness in the Lord.  For the lazy believer who fails to pursue these outstanding traits, lies spiritual blindness, and forgetfulness about one’s own salvation. A wasted life is of no benefit to the believer, nor to the glory of God.  But, for the diligent in growth there will be a certainty about their own calling and election mingled with an assurance of not falling and stumbling around in a backslidden state.  Peter gives further incentive for spiritual development to the believer grappling with his own personal growth in a painstaking manner.  As he continues, God promises a fully magnificent and marvelous entrance into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.  What stimulating inspiration for throwing oneself into moral and spiritual growth, progress, and promotion in Christ!

Peter is obviously burdened about this matter and offers immediate help for us through his encouragements and the Word of God.  He persistently reminds us believers and painstakingly rehearses truths already well known to us. Not because he is shallow, but to illuminate the true way ahead. He is confident that his death is near; in this light, he continues to empress us all with the importance of fundamental Bible teachings to stabilizing growing believers in the faith. If Peter emphasized the critical importance of the Scriptures in the very last years of his life then we must take the Word seriously for spiritual advancement today.  

Peter assures believers that our Christian faith is not based on “cunningly devised fables.”  No, when he spoke of “the power and coming” of the Lord Jesus Christ, He spoke concrete truth just as the Old Testament prophecies did.  Peter along with James and John personally witnessed the majesty of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. This event demonstrated His awe-inspiring power and foreshadowed His coming to the earth in outstanding power and glory.  Moses and Elijah were there to typify the OT and Rapture Saints.  The three Jewish believers were there signifying the believing Jewish population at Christ’s glorious return to the earth. This all transpired on a mountain pointing to the establishment of Christ’s eternal kingdom on earth.  Peter certified these ancient predictions with his own eyewitness account and the very Voice of Jehovah Who gave honor and glory to Christ on this same occasion. God is utterly pleased with His Son, Jesus and validates Christ in connection to these ancient prophecies regarding Messiah.

Peter further explains why these accounts are reliable and trustworthy by pointing out how the Scriptures proclaim a united message, with a common theme, because they came from one heart—The Spirit of God.  These are not “private interpretation” nor did they come from the “will of man.”  No, Scripture came from God using holy men to proclaim His pure unadulterated truth! They still point to a “day star” of hope already rising in the heart of genuine believers.  Jesus Christ will come again and receive us believers unto Himself, but until that time and no matter how dark the day, we still have a “light that shineth in a dark place.”  The Word of God lights the way and enlightens the heart providing powerful hope, brilliant insight and understanding about Christ until He finally comes for us. Yes, beloved…no matter what…Jesus is still our rock-solid hope!

The believer then therefore can count on the Book of Promises because it is “exceeding great and precious.”  As we do so we will continue to escape the corruption and darkness of this world’s system to become more and more like our Savior of glory and virtue. Beloved, maturity is our pursuit and destiny! In doing so, we answer our calling, will be assured or our election, will be fruitful and productive, and will anticipate the day we see our wonderful Savior face to face. 

Rightly Treasuring Others!

Visit any news venue and within minutes you will be convinced the world is completely devoid of kindness, consideration, or tenderness. Human beings seem to be devolving into something less human with every news report and every click of the remote or mouse. Yesterday my wife asked her father if he had seen any “good news” on TV today. His response was a solemn and reasoned “No….it is all bad news anymore.” He went on to mention the terrorist group ISIS responsible for a number of recent beheadings asserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with internationally. Indeed they pose a threat to the Middle East and every country from whence they have effectively recruited and trained terrorist. A rash of new terrorist attacks will follow as these trainees return to their respective countries. Under their influence killing, fear, and barbarism reign!

This sadly is not where the barbarism ends though. It has emerged in supposed sophisticated societies in the forms of rape, sex trafficking, abortion on demand, wife beating, serial killings, city gang wars, abductions, protracted drug cartel clashes, homicide after homicide, and the list goes on seemingly endlessly with yet another example of gross inhumanity. Have we completely lost the ability to treat people like unique creations of God who bear His image? Have we forgotten that human beings are intrinsically endowed with worth and value by their Creator? Is it possible to reestablish a society that actually values each human life?

GENTLENESS IS RIGHTLY TREASURING OTHERS….

The fifth gracious quality of the character of Christ to be explored is “gentleness.” Paul, the writer of Galatians says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23). Again spiritual fruit is purely the production of the Spirit as we Believers yield ourselves to God. It may surprise you to learn that “gentleness” is actually “usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor)” according to James Strong (1890, p. 78). That is, our character or essential personality is made honorable and ethical as we trust God for this grace. Actually the word focuses our attention on the inner disposition, but not necessarily the associated acts of goodness it inspires.  Furthermore, Spiros Zodhiates (1993) in The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament says of gentleness, “It is the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere.” This of course is the opposite of being intense, extreme, or severe. This fantastic inner quality is further defined as being harmless like a dove and truly tenderhearted.  Fairness, moderation, and clemency are also great synonyms for gentleness. Regarding interactions with others, gentleness involves sincere expressions of equity/justice and consideration. In a manner of speaking, gentleness is rightly treasuring others.

As you may have already concluded, a gentle Believer is free from needless roughness, discreet while employing sternness, measured when making assertions, thoughtful in speech, and considerate in actions. Typically gentle Christians are slow to make use of any form of violence or force. It is not that they cannot serve on a police force, in the military, or as part of the FBI with excellence; they simply do not operate predominantly from the position of force. Gentle Believers are marked with a moderate/mellow disposition; this translates into a demeanor that is cordial, congenial, and cool-headed. Beloved, high social considerations for the welfare of others are good hallmarks to aim for. This is the Christian doctor with an excellent bedside manner, a godly lawyer who serves for real justice respecting the statues of the law, and a nursing home care-giver who handles the elderly and fragile residents with tenderness and understanding. Gentleness reminds us of a nursing mother with her much beloved suckling, the tender ways of a wise old farmer with his favorite but aging Clydesdale, or the manner in which a loving father trains his only son. Gentle people truly treasure others and treat them as such!

Gentleness will manifests itself by goodwill rooted in the heart much like God possesses toward humanity. He typically sends rain and sunshine to the benefit of the just and unjust persons indiscriminately (Matt 5:45). Gentle Believers treat others well in what they say and they interact with others employing tender carefulness and thoughtfulness. We are to even evidence gentleness toward those who are undeserving and guilty of treating others unkind.  Still yet, while facing the gnawing pain of rejection, the gentle soul responds in character and refuses to lash out in revenge. Accordingly, the Spirit produces chivalrous qualities like thoughtfulness, politeness, graciousness, consideration, and understanding in the yielded believer. This quality describes the overworked pastor/biblical counselor who minister to a rape victim delicately and individually no matter how many cases they have counseled before. Yet again he blocks off time on his busy calendar to sensitively help yet another soul who has been violently violated. It is the social worker who still dares to look into a foster child’s eyes realizing they are more than just another case, but a highly valued life stoked with raw potential. Though placing children in foster homes has been her employment for over twenty years, she still finds herself weeping silently on occasions. I see gentleness in the response of a single father to his only fifteen year old daughter. “Daddy…I’m pregnant” she blurts out through tears and quivering lips. Instead of harshly scolding her while kicking her out of the house in rage, he gently embraces and assures her while fighting back his own tears. Deep inside he blames himself for not being there for her…but they desperately needed the extra money from his second job in order to make rent. Beyond any argument, gentleness is supernatural! It must stem from a person with a Spirit-tendered heart.  Once again LaHaye (1966, p. 51) observed, “The hurrying, bustling and pressurized life we live tend to make even some of the finest Christians annoyed at the interruptions of “the little people.” Without the influence of the Spirit even good Believers will become needlessly insensitive and harshly inconsiderate.

Characteristically, gentleness includes the inclination to forgive others. As Spirit-filled Christians, we must refuse to hold a grudge or harbor resentful feelings toward an offender. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we have the power to respond with tenderness while under great personal strain or pressure.

Gentleness is probably a strange trait to many since our culture is highly impressed with selfish advancement and individualism above all else. Neil Wilson’s (2000) book The Handbook of Bible Applications affords this very helpful insight into our contrary cultural values and vices.

“Jealousy and selfish ambition” are inspired by the devil. It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. By listening to the advice: “Assert yourself. . . . Go for it. . . . Set high goals,” we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God’s wisdom delivers us from the need to compare ourselves to others and to want what they have. 

In addition since God is gentle toward sinners (2Cor. 10:1; Js. 3:17), Christians should display this same virtue (1Thess. 2:7; 2Tim. 2:24; Tit. 3:2; 1Pet. 2:18). While there is not even a hint of encouragement for condoning sin, redemption and restoration are equally valued by gentle Believers. It was James who said the wisdom of God is distinguished by gentleness, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:17-18). Gentle people are experts at handling others with ‘kid’s gloves.’ They are masters of the ‘velvet gloves’ treatment, but remain free of sinful manipulations for personal advantage. Gentleness undeniably excludes a Christian from behaving selfishly forceful, competitively coarse, or needlessly insensitive when interacting with others.

Boaz’s dealings with Ruth in Ruth 3:7-15 is a good example of gentleness. She entered the threshing floor late at night and waited at his feet to proposition him with a marriage interest and option.  This was fully consistent with Naomi’s advice, the Law of Moses (Deut. 25:5–10), and the customs of Israel. Boaz responded with thoughtfulness and courtesy. He behaved like a gentleman. Understanding her proposition, he immediately blessed Ruth, commended her, praised her, protected her honor, sought her security, and made provision for her needs.  Boaz fleshed out sensitivity, thoughtfulness, consideration and old-fashioned gentleness. MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 291) drew a fantastic parallel from this passage to the believer in Christ Jesus in the Believer's Bible Commentary.

This assured Ruth of his deep love and gave evidence to Naomi that he would follow through on the matter without delay. Ruth was a noble woman, intrinsically worthy of Boaz’s kindnesses. But we were unworthy sinners. Yet the Lord spread His covering over us and took us as we were. He has loaded us with gifts and encouraged us with His promised return to consummate the marriage. Our salvation is settled, a finished work. But entrance into the full bliss of our union awaits the Bridegroom’s return. 

Gentleness as tender kindness is perhaps best explained in the attitude of the Lord Jesus toward little children (Mark 10:14; Luke 18:15-17). Christ’s gentle spirit is contrasted with the disciples’ rather cruel attitude toward the children who were brought to Him. As this episode unfolded the Lord Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:14).  The disciples viewed themselves and the Lord as either too important or too busy to be bothered with such minor affairs. Christ Jesus on the other hand made time for the ‘little people.’ He expressed genuine interest in their desires, afforded them His undivided attention, and left them in an improved state because of His personal touch and blessing. The persons in need were not treated like a burden to Him; they were not merely tolerated but secretly resented and unwanted. Christ cherished no concept of Himself as being too important or too busy to be considerately gentle to the disadvantaged. More Christians should cultivate this Christlike quality through serious submission to the Spirit.

Finally gentleness provides an atmosphere for others to mature. Think of how a good mother handles her newborn in the nursery. Such an environment is conducive to growing under special care. Though this grace is not cherished in society it is nevertheless incredibly valuable. Many people esteem power and self-assertiveness because such behaviors enable them to establish themselves as respectable. This evidences itself in millions of ways in a highly materialistic culture where individualism is a strong value. However, this results in pushing others around, justifying abject cruelty in the name of ‘good business,’ steamrolling over whoever gets in the way of securing another promotion, and loudly reminding others of one’s authority, rank, superiority and advantages.  Threats and intimidation are standard procedures in that environment. Such should never be the case for us who follow Jesus Christ.

That is correct; through the Spirit of Christ, it does not have to be that way. How wonderful to come into a climate where gentleness is highly valued. In this scenario love can spring into action. Allowance is afforded for needed growth. Understanding is generously poured out to the disadvantaged without belittling them. Selfless consideration of co-workers and addressing the needs of others become viable practical approaches to problem solving. There is an allowance of time for the other person to talk, and a willingness to learn, grow, explore, and discover together. Why do we not see the value and potential of treating others with gentleness?

Sadly much of the barbarism that plagues or modern highly sophisticated society will continue relatively unchecked. Unfortunately forms of rape, sex trafficking, abortion on demand, spousal abuse, serial killings, child abuse, gang wars, protracted drug cartel clashes, and homicide after homicide will continue as humanity ever spirals downward. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must not lose the ability to treat people like unique creations of God who bear His image! We must never forget how human beings are intrinsically endowed with worth and value by their Creator! By the grace of God in the Gospel, we must believe it is possible to reestablish a society that actually values each human life! We Christians must endeavor to maintain a Spirit-tendered heart and this will result in handling others with gentleness. It is not by becoming worldly, that we will have the greatest impact on our world. If we all subscribe to a dog eat dog philosophy we will only destroy each other. Trust God to give rise to more of this quality of gentleness in you. I am asking my Lord to do a work of grace in me also. If nice guys must finish last then so be it. Remember God said the first shall be last and the last shall be first in His kingdom. I believe God! We do not have to become cut-throats, vultures, and wolves lurking in the shadows to take advantage of another unwitting soul. Refuse to prey on people; choose to treasure them as God does. Beloved, learn from the Spirit of Grace how to rightly treasure others.