Your Gentle Spirit

Today’s Word Of Encouragement From Wayne:

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near”

Philippians 4:5

For the past four days I have been sharing with you on the theme of “ministering as a priest the gospel of God,” as Paul exhorted the Christians in Rome (Romans 15:16). We have looked at specific qualities of Christ our High Priest in Hebrews (mercy, sympathy, gentleness - Hebrews 2:17, 4:15, 5:2) and also at God’s word admonishing us to be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” 1Peter 3:15.

Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has instructed each of us to “take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

A “gentle Spirit” is a spirit that follows Christ, imitates Christ, remains close to Christ, and honors God.

Many may mistakenly associate spiritual power with strident authority, threats, and muscle flexing. This is not so with our God. He has all of the power in the universe and, because of that, and because of His profound desire to see people saved and reconciled with Himself, Jesus Christ exercises His power towards us in love, gentleness, and mercy, always with humility towards His Abba Father.

This is to be our Spirit as well, as priests of our God and as representatives of Jesus Christ to this world.

In order for the gospel to reach it’s maximum effectiveness in delivery, we must pay close attention to the message and the messenger. This is why Paul wrote “let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” Peter wrote, “let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).

Once more we see that our Lord is highly regarding, and exhorting us to be, the child who truly follows and imitates Him, Christ our Lord, High Priest, Savior, and Good Shepherd, with the gentleness of our Messiah Himself.

Consider this for yourself - God’s power has changed your life through His love, His mercy, His grace, and His gentleness; this is how the reality of Christ has changed you and filled you. So, this day, continue to pursue and grow in His gentleness even as you “let your gentle spirit be know to all men.” You can do this because “the Lord is near” to you right now, filling you with His Own gentle Spirit.

Oh yes, “The Lord is near.” Minister to your Lord today because He is near and minister to others in the gentleness of the Lord today, because He is near.

Hallelujah!