I write today’s devotional from my mother’s hospital room. I sit here watching her sleep in her bed, while my daughter is curled up, crashed on the green vinyl recliner chair. Mom was diagnosed with renal failure and we’ve spent the last several days here, amidst the hustle of patients and staff, the clicking of machines, the drip of saline IV bags, and the hallway faces that pass by wearing every emotion. We have been blessed by the kindness of so many: the food service staff, the maintenance engineers, the nurses, technicians and doctors. God graciously provided us with a private room overlooking some trees, and room enough for all of us to stay together.
The word/concept I want to highlight today is gentleness. I have watched my daughter lean over and gently kiss my mother’s brow. I have witnessed the sweet gentleness with which kind nurses and technicians have spoken and touched Mom as they withdrew blood or had to inject her with medications. I have had the honor and privilege of gently covering my Mom with blankets and adjusting her bedding and pillows so she could be more comfortable.
The Bible speaks of it often. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We are to cloth ourselves with it (Colossians 3:12) so that that it will be evident to everyone (Philippians 4:5). Our conversation should be filled with it (Colossians 4:5-6). It is so strong it can stop an argument in its tracks (Proverbs 15:1) and help us avoid quarreling and gossip (Titus 3:2). Should the situation arise that does call for a defense, we are to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The dictionary definition of gentleness means “the quality of being kind and tender; softness of action or effect; lightness”.
In a world spinning faster, growing more self-centric and cold, it’s far too simple to snap at someone, lose our temper and become less mindful of our words, actions, and attitude. Let’s face it… we don’t mean to be mean. We are just so worn out and tired. Our patience has been worn paper thin, and often we are one step from tears. Our words spill out as heavy as our hearts.
Tenderness. Softness. Lightness. Lovely, but not always easily translatable into everyday living… at all.
Yet… today we can pray for grace. We can look at the tenderness of Jesus, of the Father’s loving kindness to us. We can ask Him to pour over us His gentleness, allowing it to overflow into the lives of those around us. The clerk at the grocery store. The driver in front of us. Our spouses and children. Our family and friends. Strangers. A simple smile and hello. Noticing a name tag and using that person’s name with a thank you. Pour your words over them gently.
Listen to the whispers in your heart… and you will remember how.
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