Saturday, December 3, 2011

Gentleness

Linking up with Charlotte Spiritual Sunday  Laura Beholding Glory

The way to overcome the angry man is with gentleness, the evil man with goodness, the miser with generosity and the liar with truth. Indian Proverb

There''s a children's story about the wind boosting he was stronger than the sun. They saw a man walking and the wind challenged the sun. The proof who was stronger would be the one who could make that man take off his jacket. The wind went first. He blew and blew and blew and every time he did....the man wrapped his coat tighter around himself. When it was the sun's turn, he shone his warmth. Soon the man removed his jacket.

Gentleness......I think that's where real strength comes from....Being kind....caring....forgiving. When I lived in hate.....and anger.....wanting to hurt the people who hurt me.....I was like the wind....I pushed others away....and made my life cold.....hard.....and difficult. 

The warmth of His gentleness broke through all that hardness. I couldn't resist that level of love and affection. Like the man who eventually took off his jacket......His gentleness helped me to let go of all the hate.....and forgive and let go.....And I figured out......real strength doesn't come from force or cruelty. It comes from someone's kind-heartiness....and respect.

Make me a channel of Your peace....where there is hatred let me bring Your love

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post. The world really needs more gentleness. Everyone is so rude, in such a hurry, so self centered. In Christ we are a new creature, and we can share the gentle touch of the newborn Saviour with all. God bless you, Sarah.

Just Be Real said...

So true Nikki. Thank you for sharing dear one. Blessings.

Finding Pam said...

I can relate to this post. I was the wind. Your words touch my soul so deeply today.

Be blessed.
Pam

Esther Joy said...

Your post reminds me of the words - I think from the book of Acts - that say "it's the goodness of God that lead us to repentance". It's God's love that melts down my own walls.

Musings of A Minister said...

Wow! Wow! What a wonderful, needed---much needed message. And the song is just beautiful. I had never heard it before. Thanks for posting.

Denise said...

Wonderful post.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think I will tell this story to our church, so very cool! And I didn't know that music had been put to this St. Francis prayer! I hope you have a great weekend!

Annesphamily said...

Beautiful! I always have a smile when I leave here. Thank you for such a wonderful share.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Love this post...story. Gentleness

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

This is a beautiful post Sarah. I had never read that Indian sying before but it is very wise. So was all you wrote here.. Much love CM

Lisa notes... said...

Gentleness is such a special fruit of the Spirit. Thanks for this reminder for me to be more gentle!

Karen said...

beautiful song~

Susie Swanson said...

Beautiful, thanks for sharing and commenting on mine. I'm your new follower..Susie

Joan Hall said...

Beautiful, Nikki! I would love for you to join me each week for my weekly link up, The Grace Cafe. The link is always up on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. central time.

Blessings,
Joan

Anonymous said...

Hi,

During the wee hours of this morning, I was in a very contemplative mood. Your description of one of those horrible terrible no good very bad days, was literally exactly the way I felt. Absolutely the sentiments of my heart. I've never visited your site until today, so apparently God wanted me to read what you shared. Although I had no little one to curl up with, I know I am safe in His arms, no matter how dreary and distressing the day seems!

God bless you!

Paulette

Connie Arnold said...

What a sweet and lovely post with a wonderful message. Thank you for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah. This is a beautiful analogy - that classic story (which I also read in grade school) and the warmth of God's love. I also have observed and learned that God works in the exact opposite the world works: honor in humility, power in total dependence of Him, strength in weakness...

Have a blessed week,
Rina

Debbie said...

I just clicked the link and drank in the song. It's one of my sister's favorites, if not her very favorite.

Charlotte said...

I love that song, and what a beautiful gentle version this is. The children's story is appropriate for all ages. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Of One Heart said...

"... Where there's doubt, true faith in you." This hymn after so long healed me.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

My pastor is doing a series on bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Someone once said, "Bitterness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die."

Good post, Nikki, and much needed.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Amen, Make me an instrument of your peace , Lord ! Wonderful Post !

Glenda said...

Beautiful post - and so true! I like to think of Him as the Gentle Shepherd.

Nana Jul said...

oh...I needed this reminder...almost an ouchy...So much truth in your message...LORD help me to be your instrument of Peace...
Thanks sister!
Love,
Jul

Charlotte said...

So true! I like the story of the wind and the sun. It demonstrates that truth very well. I hope I will be a warm and caring influence on others and not a pushy demanding one. It's good to know that when we are in His hands, He will use us as an instrument of peace.

Thank you for sharing this post.

Renee said...

Gentleness~ beautiful post, Sarah. Always feel blessed when I come here.

Crown of Beauty said...

This post is simply amazing, Nikki. I came by here to say hello, to read what's on your heart, and here I am just so amazed by the words I read.

It is true. Gentleness... forgiveness... it is the way of Christ.

Thank you. It is the same lesson God has been teaching me. I am happy for the confirmation. It tells me I am on the right track.

Love to you this advent season...

Lidia

Ruth said...

Gentleness is the key and who can refuse it. May I watch my words so they convey this virtue especially in this busy season when impatience flares.
May you be filled with much joy this season!

Reformed rebel said...

Hi Sarah. So glad you visited my blog because now I found yours. I love what you said that real strength comes from someone's kind-heartedness and respect...gentleness. Great word. Thank you for sharing this. Will be your newest follower.
Blessings...Chelle

Laura @ BeholdingGlory.com said...

Oh so true! I long for more gentleness to be displayed through my life. Thank you for driving me to my knees in dependence on God. And thank you for linking up.

highheeledlife said...

Beautifully worded! xo HHL

highheeledlife said...

Beautifully worded! xo HHL