In the words of John Lennon - Imagine…
Imagine if your behaviour became your reputation, not only out in public, but even more so at home. Imagine if people were able to recognize you as a Christian (in a good way) simply by your behaviour.
Philippians 4:4-5 “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
‘Rejoice’ means - ‘to be glad’ - always. Listen, the only way to always be glad in God is by trusting Him. Knowing that He has every situation covered and nothing is outside of His reach. Imagine you were known for your rejoicing - in other words, known for your unfailing trust in God, no matter how bad the situation might be. It would be amazing to be known for that. Also for your gentleness.
Here is my definition to help us understand the word “gentleness.”
“Christian gentle people, do not seek to retaliate. They are willing to give and take instead of always standing rigidly on their rights. They are gentle, kind, courteous, and tolerant, they exhibit a sweet reasonableness and an ability to extend to others the kindly consideration one would wish to receive themselves. The gentle person is not spineless but selfless.”
A gentle person never forces others into having the same opinion as them but instead trust God to reveal the truth through love.
Colossians 3:12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
It means you don't anger easily, you are kind, friendly, and inviting. You don’t think too highly of yourself, you are willing to put other people first. Even when there is a conflict, you show gentleness and great patience.
Imagine if our behaviour were gentle and “evident to all.” Imagine if this became our reputation. Let's make this our reputation to a world that desperately needs gentleness.
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
