As the rain and snow

“The Mighty One, God the Lord,
    speaks and summons the earth
    from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.

Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
    before him is a devouring fire,
    around him a mighty tempest.
He calls to the heavens above
    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
‘Gather to me my faithful ones,
    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’
The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge! 

‘Hear, O my people, and I will speak…
    I am God, your God…
For every beast of the forest is mine,
    the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the hills,
    and all that moves in the field is mine.

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for the world and its fullness are mine…
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me…’
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;
    to one who orders his way rightly
    I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:1-7a,7c,10-12,14-15,23

The Mighty One, God, is the LORD! He summons the earth to spin and orbit and bear vegetation. He summons the sun to burn its light and life giving energy, and sustains all heavenly orbs in proper place. He shines out of perfect beauty and grants the favor of His presence. He comes, remains, keeps, and is not inert or silent. He sees and knows all things and judges uprightly. He owns and orders and supplies all creatures and rhythms and necessities. There is no fullness apart from His bounty. And this God summons His people into a relationship of salvation and glory. He is some LORD, worthy to be praised! (Psalm 19:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17)

How does He summon us day to day? His splendor in sky and sea, birdsong and fragrance, texture and mineral, beckon us to behold His glory. Each delicious taste, every puff of breeze, the chirping cricket and quirking frog all summon delight and thanksgiving. His word is a lamp to our feet and guard of our heart. Are we taking the time to look, to listen, to take in His heavenly repast for every sense? Are we ingesting His word into mind and spirit? He is the One who quickens the heart with emotion at seeing a poignant reunion, stirs the pang of tears at a difficult parting, awakens compassion for the hurting and broken… He beckons. God is the One who roils the storms to test our faith, whose word closes in with conviction leading to cleansing, whose kindness softens the hardest heart… He beckons. He supports, directs, sustains. He leads us to unfamiliar places and invites us to new experiences, service, and growth… He beckons. (Psalm 73:24; 119:11,105; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 2:4; Hebrews 4:12)

How is God beckoning us today? To what change of attitude or forsaking of sin? A purer and deeper love, or lustier praise? Where is He rearranging priorities, redirecting desires, repurposing our talent?

Gracious God, attune my ears, heart, and ready response to Your summoning so I might glorify You with faithful sacrifice and praise.

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body… 

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith…  Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.  Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning.” Hebrews 13:1-3,7,12-17

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Jesus Christ remembered every one of His children in our prison as though with us. He left glory to enter our world and experience every temptation, sorrow, and joy. He identified with us by carrying our due sentence to the cross, taking on the cruel weight of our sin so we could be freed and bear it no more. He died connected with us to the utmost. Because of Him, identification with those who suffer and serve are outcomes of our salvation. (John 11:35; Hebrews 4:15)

Brotherly love is an exquisite privilege and mystery within the church. Believers are related by grace and united in Christ’s death and life, so sympathy and mutual concern occur as a natural, spiritual phenomenon. Empathy for the imprisoned and lonely begins in the heart as we recall that we were once strangers, aliens, and outcasts. Love and generous hospitality should be practiced because we’ve been welcomed into the family of God. Mutual encouragement and submission are byproducts of communion with the Lord and compassion for His children.

How well is that brotherly love continuing in and through us? In what ways do we connect with and care for others in the Body in their varied experiences? Bent on personal fulfillment and agendas, we easily miss the profound joy of sharing another’s burdens. Whom are we imitating in our priorities? How can we refocus? Who and what will we stop neglecting today, and go outside our norm to minister to another in Christ’s name?

“Blest be the tie that binds 
our hearts in Christian love; 
the fellowship of kindred minds 
is like to that above. 

Before our Father’s throne 
we pour our ardent prayers; 
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 
our comforts and our cares. 

We share our mutual woes, 
our mutual burdens bear, 
and often for each other flows 
the sympathizing tear. 

From sorrow, toil, and pain, 
and sin, we shall be free; 
and perfect love and friendship reign 
through all eternity.” ~John Fawcett (1782)

Lord, help me remember and relate as Christ has, for His sake and praise.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,  by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall…

“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have…

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10,12; 3:18

Peter’s uplifting admonition to the exiled Christians reminded them of the position, promises, purpose, and power that were theirs in Christ. He’d called them to glory and excellence, and saved them! He had given and would keep His precious word, causing them to partake of His very nature! And He supplied all they needed by and along with His power for ongoing spiritual fruitfulness! Remember this hope, establish yourselves in these truths, and keep growing in grace and knowledge of your Savior!

It really is true that the Almighty God has done and does marvelous things! To rescue His children from ongoing corruption and inevitable destruction, and to deliver them from sin’s wicked, wily pull unto fulfilling, fruitful life is the epitome of grace, achieved by resurrection power. Then He grants us that power to continue in Him, to say no to godlessness and yes to increasing faith and virtue. He gives ongoing entrance into the delights of salvation. Praise Him for such a rescue! Praise Him for such a power! (Titus 2:11-14)

So why do we live so often in the murky lowlands of fretting over urgencies, pet peeves and irritabilities, lusts and cravings and thoughtless indulgences? Why are we so weak in resisting temptation, in speaking up with truth, or out against wrong? Why are we so petty in our concerns, and limited in spiritual expectations? The enemy delights that we wallow here and never aspire to loftier vision.

We must remind ourselves and one another of all we have in Christ, and His intent for our time here on earth. How diligent are we to do so, and to put the facts into motion? What effort are we exerting to strengthen our faith, practice and expand virtue, increase in knowledge of God, exercise self-control and steadfastness and love? These take deliberation and time, in study, prayer, interactions with others, and accountability. Knowing what is ours, how will we begin this day to turn ineffectiveness and unfruitfulness to powerful faith and grace-filled living that exalts God?

Lord, may I never take Your gifts, including salvation, for granted, but by Your grace and power exhibit divine character and flourishing, to Your glory.

“I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:1-11

Peter had been called by Jesus as a disciple, and over 3 years of zealousness and stumbling, impetuousness and misunderstandings, he was shepherded by this Good Shepherd. He learned the cadence of His voice in parable and warning, he observed His interactions and manner, He followed to unknown places. The Spirit of the Lord abided, persisted, and transformed him into a shepherd of the early church. Now by example and instruction, he taught, warned, and encouraged as he’d so patiently, lovingly, and purposefully received from his Lord.

Even if we are not called to large or wide public leadership, we all have someone to shepherd. Within families and friend groups, work and community relationships, even as tenders of our own disciplines, we bear accountability. And we are not left to our own devices! The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls is our perfect example and very strength to lead and care as He does. All He asks of us He supplies for us as we rely on Him in humility and willing obedience. (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11-15; 1 Peter 2:25)

How would our flock describe our keeping? How well do we know our sheep, and do they delight to hear our voice? Do we micro-manage or lord it over others gruffly, or as those superior, or do we lead as servants by example? Do we desire the good of others over personal gain, and how is this exhibited? How vigilantly do we resist the devil, and help others in the fight? For every reprieve and encouragement we have received, to whom are we offering the same in Jesus’s name?

For every flaw we own, weakness we bear, or mistake we make, look to the Shepherd for grace and help. He who calls is faithful to undertake. (Hosea 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 4:16)

Lord, lead me to know You better so I might shepherd others as You do.

“Does not wisdom call?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand…
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right…
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them…
Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.” Proverbs 8:1-2,6,8,10-21

The scriptures are more valuable than gold, much fine gold, and their very potent truth in that telling turns a malleable, teachable heart. The Lord reiterates proper priorities over and over in His word. Wisdom is to be sought, ingested, cherished. It crowns the listener, the taker, the bearer, with nobility, righteousness, prudence, lasting wealth.

Much of modern life is consumed with consuming, making and spending so we can make and spend more. And in most cultures today this is a necessary endeavor. But the Lord who is high and lifted up always beckons His people to higher living and loftier investment. While certain treasure of this earth is necessary for commerce and daily needs, there is a treasure that far outweighs and out-values the temporal currency we find here. (Isaiah 6:1-2; 55:8-9; Matthew 6:19-21)

Within our busy heights and unnerving dales, and scurrying to and fro at varied crossroads, there is heavenly bounty accessible. In this heathen world, the Lord offers wisdom, even has her seek us out, to guide our minds and elevate our spirits. She gives insight, protects from corruption, adorns with discretion, and nurtures rich, constructive living. While the enemy entices elsewhere, and pellets with pride and perversion, the way to wisdom is open for the taking.

Are we listening? Can we discern wisdom’s call? Are we pursuing and taking her instruction as our own? How are we valuing her nobility and worth above the emptiness of the world’s offerings in what we daily read and hear? Do we recognize the difference, and know godly wisdom by experience in our work and interactions? What will we do this day to prefer the voice and ways of wisdom over every competing desire?

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
be Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
be Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~old Irish, translated by Mary Byrne (1905)

Lord, help me treasure You and Your wisdom above all.

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!

We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
    in the midst of your temple.
As your name, O God,
    so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.” Psalm 48:1,9-10

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Christ’s name is exalted above every other name, and so shall be His praise be higher, louder, and richer than any other! He is great beyond description, so His praise should be lush, robust, unending! He alone is worthy of all glory and honor and praise, and we His children should be daily participating in that heavenly chorus!

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power!” Revelation 4:11

Yet, we are so stuck on praising ourselves, our efforts, our achievements. We are enamored with hearing our own voices, and the compliments of others. We interject in conversations, boast about our experiences, pontificate about all we know, and gloat in attention. The more we pamper our arrogance and garner selfish attention, the less we pay attention to God. As we focus inward and relish the limelight, we smother His greatness and grandeur and His glory appears to pale. This must not be!

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

Would we look up and out to know His name? How will we deem it, in word and practice, more important than our own? When do we acquaint ourselves with the Lord in scripture, and recite His names in praise? This sets us both in proper place.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13

What needs to change or be rearranged in order for the honor of His name to take precedence in our daily litany of chores and chatter? What we love and how we speak reveal who and what hold priority in our life.

“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish but naught changeth thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.” ~Walter Chalmers Smith (1867)

Lord, as Your holy name dwells within, may my praises swell to Your glory.

“The people of Israel… came into the wilderness… And Miriam died there…

“Now there was no water… And the people quarreled with Moses and said,.. ‘Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die..? Then Moses and Aaron… fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared, and the Lord spoke, ‘Take the staff, assemble the congregation,.. and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water…’ 

“Then Moses… said, ‘Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?’ And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock.., and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank…  And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy.., you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.’ 

“Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom: ‘Please let us pass through your land…’ But Edom said, ‘You shall not pass through’… [and] came out against them with a large army and strong force… 

“And Aaron died.” Numbers 20:1-4,6-8,10-12,14,17-18,20,28

Could Moses not avoid perpetual difficulty? The death of his sister whose early intervention saved and paved his life. Incessant grumbling from Israel’s congregation as he tried to manage grief. Pressure that overheated, igniting emotions, prompting God’s sobering chastisement, upending his highest earthly hope. Threatening rejection by Edom of his polite request, resulting in trudging inconvenience. Then the death of Aaron, his brother, mouthpiece, and support. Moses could easily, and justifiably, have given up. But his goal was higher than these temporal troubles, his otherworldly destination beyond these earthly limits. (Exodus 2:1-10; 4:12-16; 17:11-13; Hebrews 11:26-27)

When loss after detour after battle after rejection after regret after criticism after sorrow heap upon our wearying days, we might question God’s call and goodness. We might scramble to rework plans to escape to ease, or give in to discouragement or despair, or give up altogether. How are we to proceed on these paths of endless difficulty and disappointment?

The key to persevering with joy in harsh life and times as God’s own is to keep Him as our goal. He’s our very great reward, the author and finisher of faith. Intimacy with Him gives supernatural grit, fortitude, and vision. Do we stumble at each challenge and get easily waylaid? Or would we accept them as means by which God fits us for forever, and press on with hope? (Genesis 15:1; Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:2-3; James 1:2-4)

“My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
’Tis His to lead me there—not mine, but His—
At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.

So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,
And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard
Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.

No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter though the cost be oft-times great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark,
The way that leads to Him must needs be strait.

One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do, I press towards my Lord;
My God my glory here, from day to day,
And in the glory there my great Reward.” ~Frances Brook (1896)

Lord, keep me pressing toward the goal.

“Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
    all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me…
When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:1-4

“Be merciful to me, O God,..
    for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
    till the storms of destruction pass by.
I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me…
God will send out his steadfast love and faithfulness!

My soul is in the midst of lions;
    I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!

They set a net for my steps;
    my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way… 
My heart is steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
    Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.” Psalm 57:1-9

“O my Strength, I will watch for you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress.
My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
    God will let me look in triumph on my enemies…

O my Strength, I will watch for you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress.
My God in his steadfast love will meet me;
    God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 59:9-10,16-17

“Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:2b-4

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” Psalm 62:5-7

From the history recorded in scripture, it can be inferred that David was a skilled warrior and wise, focused king. But his leadership is not all that occupied his life and time. The psalms open his inner life, intensive prayers and passionate pleadings and praise that took hours to record over the decades of his reign. The account of his outward successes (and foibles) is founded upon a deep private relationship with his Lord.

So for all whom God calls. We have tasks and duties, the outward face and responsibilities and action. We can be defined by public victories and personality and measurable accomplishments. But as whole creatures who belong to Him, our invisible but palpable salvation makes a difference, and the health of inner sanctum of our souls is vital to any visible success.

How does my inner communion with the Lord affect my outward life? Where are my trust and God’s wide mercies evident? How fully have I entrusted my life and times into His hands?

Lord, may I continue steadfast in prayer, serve Your bidding, and utilize all You’ve appointed, for Your glory. (Psalms 31:15)

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

“He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden”?’  And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.”’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'” Genesis 3:1-5

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

“The devil… was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

“The men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him.” Luke 22:63

With alluring staccato from his perch of fence edge, then power line, the mockingbird teased the lazy afternoon. Chur-whee, chur-whee…trull trull trull… twee twee twee… chip chip… Consistent and persistent in variety, his identity is marked by the ruse of constant change, his intrigue in mimicry.

So exists and works the mocker of men and God. From the garden to his ultimate eternal grave, he mocks, mimics, deceives, and lies. He appears as he is not, sounds not wicked as he is, and says what is not true. His only constant is that he fools, attempting to undermine and overthrow and destroy all that is right and good. (John 10:10a; Revelation 12:9; 20:10)

The devil mocks, but Jesus wins. The mocker pretends, Jesus is the real thing. The enemy promotes falsehood, Jesus is truth. The mocker shrouds in darkness, Jesus is light. Satan would have us believe we are losers, alone, needful of our own power, unworthy. But Jesus says we are His beloved people, cloaked in mercy, living in marvelous freedom. The mocker says be quiet, Jesus says proclaim My excellence. (John 8:12; 14:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

Where have I been duped? How do I entertain the mocker by accepting his peppered falsehoods, compromising morality, waning in devotion? When do I indulge in the forbidden fruit of licentiousness, gluttony, sloth, or bitterness, then hide in shame? Where have I fabricated ‘my own truth’ while denying my Lord’s? How am I presently mocking my Lord by selfishness, ingratitude, grumbling, arrogance, or outright sin? Beware the mocker’s wiles!

Pelleted by the ancient foe, we can feel exhausted, undone, or fall to his trickery in defeat. But looking to the perfect One unjustly mocked, who chose to be nailed to the cross to vanquish the mocker’s sting and stain, we can endure. Whose voice will we let triumph? (Isaiah 53:4-7; 1 Corinthians 15:55,57)

Lord, help me discern and dismiss the enemy’s mockery, and rejoice in the truth of all You won for me, to Your glory.

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious…

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

‘Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it…’

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:3-4,8-11,14-16

“But the fruit of the Spirit is… gentleness.” Galatians 5:22-23

The rough and tumble of bombastic rhetoric and tough aggression marks a stark contrast to the godly character prescribed in scripture. The gentleness God deems imperishable and precious is often dissed or dismissed as weak and without value by the world. The gentleness of civility and calm reason for hope gets a hard knock in a culture of shout your truth and stand your ground. Yet, the Lord makes clear His expectations for life in the mix of materialism and temptation, and His Spirit works these in and out of us in beautiful ways.

As is often true with biblical commands, there are don’ts that accompany dos. In order to behave one way, we must put off opposing ways. We must turn focus from the external to the internal, attitude from cold and hard to warm and tender, pride and stubborn selfishness to humility and ready submission. We must speak goodness and truth instead of evil and deceit, and reject harshness in order to practice gentleness. (Ephesians 4:1-2; Titus 3:1-2)

What are we doing to develop a gentle quiet spirit? Let this be your adorning doesn’t just happen. Are we even aware of our roughness of manner, stringent demeanor, impatient and bothered expressions? Have we taken responsibility for our sarcastic bite, snippy tone of voice, and irritable responses when we’re inconvenienced or have to yield control? Do we own temper or cursing that needs confessing, eradicating, and replacing? Knowing where and how we are not gentle clears the way for Spirit-led transformation. (Proverbs 15:1)

Would we ask God to convict us into repentance and change? Then how will we begin to practice gentleness of spirit, action, and words? Where will we begin to stay quiet to listen better, or bless instead of curse, so others see and are drawn to the grace of God? “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” (Philippians 4:5; James 1:19-20)

Father, develop and demonstrate gentleness in and through me, to Your glory.