Gentle
correction. That is a humbling experience. A good Christian friend of mine once
took me aside and told me I was doing something wrong…I don’t even remember the
action now that was so offensive, but I do remember the correction. It was like
receiving a scolding from my grandmother—but it changed my ways. Humbled me and
made me more considerate of others. She corrected me privately, not in front of
other people—that would have been even harder to take. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs
15:1. Gentle reprimand does the same thing. Have you ever had to tell someone
that they are doing the wrong thing in their life? God uses His followers to
correct other followers—gently. By correcting others it may keep them from
falling into greater sin—from being under more satanic influence. That is
important in this day when evil slips into our lives in subtle ways via the TV
or internet. Keep your guard up and discuss assaults on your spiritual growth
with your Christian friends. Don’t quarrel with your Christian brothers and
sisters—but do pray about situations you see and confront them if necessary.
Make sure that in your prayers you discuss your own actions with the Lord, so
that no one can come back at you and say that you have the same sin occurring
in your life. To whom are you accountable?
Training Tip – Gentleness. What level of that quality do you have
in your life? Do you see that quality reflected in your children’s lives? Once again,
the best way to initiate or instill a Christian character in your children is
to demonstrate it in your own life. Be gentle with your kids. Listen intently
to your children and your spouse—don’t be distracted by the TV, newspaper, or
computer. Don’t get angry if they don’t pay attention to you—but set boundaries
and expectations so that they know that they must respect their parents,
grandparents, and elders. When they know the expectations, hold them to it and
discipline as necessary—gently. Whatever
you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
through Him to God the Father. ... Fathers (and Mothers), do not exasperate
your children, so that they will not lose heart. Colossians 3:17, 21
Lord God, help me to put on a heart of compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) that I would be
able to teach, train, and model Jesus’ quality of gentleness before my family.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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