Phil 4:5 (NASB95)
I have a toddler at home who is at that stage where she is beginning to play a little rough. She sometimes will swat at you, as a baby will. She plays with my grandparents dog that way. At times we have to say, "Lizzie, gentle."
I think here in Philippians Paul is reminding us for our need to be gentle. The idea however is a little different from what we are trying to teach my 15 month old. This word in the original has the meaning of moderation or reasonableness or even graciousness. It is the idea of courtesy and being easy to get along with.
I think it is important for us as Christ followers to recognize that in order to impact the world around us with the good news of Jesus we need to have an easy, gentle spirit in dealing with people. If we knock people over in the business world, trying to get ahead, if we are not gracious at home those around us will not be inclined to hear about a loving God.
His call for us is to be gentle.
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