Fruitful Thursday - Gentleness

Though I still wouldn't consider myself gentle, I have become more gentle through the years. I imagine part of it is age, part of it is wisdom, and part of it has been hard work on my part. More and more I'm finding the key to gentleness to be quiet. Quieting myself when I want to yell or defend myself.

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17

How many arguments have been started because I was not quiet? How many problems escalated because of a harsh response rather than a gentle one?

How many feelings have been hurt due to a thoughtless joke rather than quiet encouragement?

Too many.

So I am still striving to quiet myself and be gentle even in the moments, especially in the moments, when I am quick to anger or despair. My mantra is helping greatly!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:5