“Handle with Care”: A Devotional on Gentleness

This year; year 27 for me has been a roller coaster of events; full of grace, truth, testing, stretching, wrestling, correction, hope and joy… I can’t believe that we are wrapping up the year so quickly! Over the last several months of 2018, I have experienced every emotion imaginable and (by the grace of God) have managed to remain all in one piece. My heart is grateful and my spirit is so so full.

Gentleness is the topic of discussion that we’ll be diving deeper into this week. And to be honest, it has allowed me to take a few steps back to reflect because, there are areas in my life where I can be a bit harsh toward myself, lacking gentleness to self as well as the world around me.

I for one, can easily place the blame game on my past and current circumstances, however when we are in Christ the Spirit of God dwells within us and although our life experiences may have left an impression there is freedom and victory given to us, even as we walk forward in our journey of healing. So, how is the gap identified; this place where we feel as though we lack gentleness in our space and actively walking in that? I believe that once true revelation of gentleness is given; and our choice to not walk in that truth and pattern of intentionally receiving, digesting and freely giving of that,a holt or pause in that rhythm, is where the frustration may lie. That constant motion is imperative in our journey into peace, purpose, maturity and growth.

This week, I had to revisit the definition of gentleness. Gentleness is defined as the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. As I began thinking of all the things that we are intentionally gentle with in life and a few things that came to mind were things like babies, plants in a garden and as well as most, high-value tangible possessions. All things… we handle with care because, although they may hold high value and significance to our lives, they’re also delicate. Just as we are…Precious…

On this subject of gentleness, I’ll keep saying it. I… am… speaking to directly to myself with this one y’all, because in a world that demands attention, order and accuracy; without walking in the Holy Spirit we can easily take on this “about my business, hustle mentality…” And although there is nothing wrong with hard work, neglecting Him, ourselves and those in our lives isn’t “the move”. The heart of the Lord is gentle, yet so full of power, grace and truth. What good is acquiring the whole word, and lacking gifts that He wants to freely give to facilitate you in your purpose. A gift that is crucial in our walk.

Within this week, we can ask the Holy Spirit has my heart been harsh in anyway toward You, myself, person or any area of my life? We can then ask, show me Your gentleness, how do you see me and those in my life? Help me to receive the fullness of Your gentleness and lead me to give it freely.

One of my favorite scriptures is in Matthew, verses 11:28-30 reads

"28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Let’s Live This Thing!

With Love,

Chalssie

Matthew 7:2

Matthew 11:28-30

Ephesians 4:2

James 3:17