GENTLY
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3, ESV
Theme: Our sinful attitudes do harm; just as our humility heals relationships.
“I HATE PEOPLE”
Yes, I’ve said this before. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I have…and probably not all that long ago. Someone lets a door slam in my face, blocks the intersection, talks loudly on their phone in public, throws trash out the window, crunches their water bottle, or clicks their pen endlessly in church...and I think it. Do I mean it? Do I really “hate” them? Do I hate all people? Certainly, not. It’s an overreaction to a small and likely insignificant situation that I’ve passed judgement on, because “I would never do that.”
Worse yet is when I feel the need to address or correct what I perceive as inconsiderate behavior with a “look”, snide comment, or retaliation. In the moment, it seems entirely justified but, upon reflection, it is just my own demonstration of more discourteous behavior. Did I really try to teach someone a lesson by doing the exact thing to them that I just criticized them for doing to me? It becomes a circular reference, a closed loop with no solution.
A BARRIER
With this type of attitude, I create a barrier to building relationships with others and fail to honor God through a spirit of humility. I used to think the verse about “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) was my permission to give my unfiltered and often unsolicited opinion or advice. I neglected to read further because I had already seen all I wanted to see to justify my own actions. However, as I now read the entire chapter, it’s clear this is about speaking BIBLICAL principles, not my own, so that the body of Christ can come together in love, giving grace to those who hear the message. Mike has talked before about “disputable matters” and the unproductivity of getting hung up on them. I can choose to debate and insist on such topics, or I can recognize that the relationship is more important than being “right.” I now choose more wisely.
We should never water down the message of Christ. It is the cornerstone of salvation and of a relationship with God. Yet how we reach people with this eternal message, and our delivery, does make a difference. People may not remember the facts you spew about the Bible or how many scriptures you memorized to impress them, but they will remember how you made them feel. Present the Good News with open arms, forgiveness, an “others first” mentality, and with humility. That’s how Jesus did it. He came, gentle and lowly in heart, to serve and not to be served. These are the principles to build upon in our own lives to embody the message.
Make It Personal: Do you have a “me first” mentality you need to address? Sometimes Godliness starts with common courtesy and the consideration of others ahead of ourselves. This not only allows others to hear the message, but it also grows your own spirituality as you become more Christ-like. Embody the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) and don’t allow self-promoting behaviors to cloud the work God is doing through you.
Pray: God, thank You for saving me and for forgiving my sin. Help me remember Your grace and unconditional love when I become haughty. Please take away any pride, vanity, impatience, and self-promotion in me so that Your clear message can be heard. I don’t want to be bashful about the salvation message. Help me present it in a way that others can see past me and directly to You. Amen.
Read: Romans 12: 1-21; Ephesians 4:17-32
Weekly Memory Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)