Being Gentle Like Jesus

"Today's Devotion" For October 5, 2005

Read: Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 11:28-30

BEING GENTLE LIKE JESUS

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (Phil.4:5)

In the past weeks since Hurricane Katrina, followed shortly thereafter by Hurricane Rita, we have been inundated with the sights and sounds of destruction and devastation. We've heard accounts of brave men and women saving the lives of others - one little boy of about five leading a group of younger children to safety in New Orleans, another, a teenager, who commandeered a bus and took 70 older people to Dallas and safety. Many have volunteered their time and efforts - tradespeople, Red Cross workers, pastors and other individuals to bring hope, comfort, food and clothing to those whose lives have been devastated by these natural disasters. Firefighters, policemen, National Guards troops, and Navy and Army resources have all come together to bring some stability to the situation. Although the death toll of about 1,200 people is heavy, we're grateful it wasn't worse and we thank God that He allowed the efforts of search and rescue teams to be effective in preventing more deaths from occurring.

What stands out in the midst of the devastation is the caring, gentle spirit that has been shown by a nation to its own people. A characteristic of the American people that first came to light in vivid detail during the events of and following "9-11" has again shown itself in the aftermath of these hurricanes. "Refugees" from the Gulf Coast States have made their way to various parts of the country and have been received with open arms and the opportunity to begin their lives again in new homes, new cities, new jobs, and with new, but friendly, faces. Christian people and churches around the nation have opened their doors, their pocketbooks, and their homes and families to serving the needs of those now homeless and who have lost almost all earthly goods.

No matter how trying the times, St. Paul exhorts Christians to be gentle, caring people, sharing the love of God in Jesus Christ with everyone - in word and deed. Yet how often don't we lash out in anger when we're tired, hurting, or frustrated? At the same time, on a survey of needs in the Gulf Coast States last month, God's people, even in the midst of their own devastated homes and loss of jobs in places like Biloxi and Pascagoula, Mississippi were observed showing the love of Christ in action as they served the needs of others who were also suffering. At the same time, in Mobile, a church relatively unaffected by the Katrina, opened her doors as a Red Cross shelter, costing the congregation tens of thousands of dollars as they assisted those who had fled from their devastated homes in neighboring areas. Loving in the midst of pain and suffering is a mark of Christ's love living in us. Sharing that love of Christ, sacrificially in the midst of our own suffering is nothing more, or less, than following Jesus' own example.

If there can be any greater comfort to God's people or those we touch than sharing Christ's love in word and deed, perhaps it's the hope and promise that no matter what, "The Lord is near!" We aren't standing on our own; we don't live a day in isolation; we aren't lost or forgotten. God's love and gentle mercy and grace live in us and touch our lives each day in Christ Jesus. We can be gentle because we've experienced true gentleness from Jesus Himself. We can truly love because Jesus' love has filled our hearts. We can step forward boldly and fearlessly in faith to help and serve others, because the Spirit has given us the strength in Christ to do so. We are called to be gentle, just like our Lord is so that He can touch others through us.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the example of love and gentleness shown to me by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I thank You for the example of love and gentleness shown by Your people in the midst of the devastation of the hurricanes down South and around the world wherever people are in need and hurting. Gracious Father, I pray that You would help me today and every day to also reflect that same gentle nature, loving others in Your name and filled with both Your forgiveness and the willingness to forgive as You have forgiven me. Let me be gentle in all my dealings with others, even if the circumstances seem unbearable. Remind me that I'm never serving alone, but that You are always with me and Your Spirit is always guiding and strengthening me in my service to others in Your name. Hear me, gracious Father, for the sake of Christ Jesus, Your one and only Son, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.