Choosing Gentleness in a Harsh World - Your Nightly Prayer - February 5th

Choosing Gentleness in a Harsh World
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon." -  Philippians 4:5, GNT

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Stepping outside the front door can sometimes feel intimidating. In winter, I am deterred by the biting wind that threatens to suck any warmth from me. Even in the warmer days of spring and summer, I can hesitate because of a lingering wasp, which decided my mailbox would be a nice place to nest. The world can be unforgiving–the stinging insect, sharp-toothed animal, and extreme weather. That doesn’t even include the most dangerous part of creation, the human being.  

In many ways, we live in a tooth-and-claw world that thrives off the stronger pushing down the weak, and the oppression of those that society deems undesirable. Such a system is far from natural, since our Lord created everything good (Genesis 1:31). But the fall of humankind changed everything, so that today we live with sin’s consequences.  

The world, and the people around us, might be harsh, but we do not have to live that way. Scripture encourages us to develop an attitude that reflects our Savior. Earlier in Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, he described Jesus’ humility in what is known theologically as the Kenosis passage and refers to His self-emptying. The Lord who created all things and is King over all humbled Himself to become a servant, offering His life for the sake of us all by dying on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). As Paul wrote, “[Christ] made himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7, NIV). He became poor for our sake so that we would be rich in spiritual blessings (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

A self-giving attitude that is focused on graciousness and kindness is the attitude that our Lord demonstrated, and it is that attitude that we are called to imitate. The Greek word for “gentleness” in Philippians 4:5 carries a deeper meaning of kindness, forbearance, and patience. As the Amplified Bible captures in its elaboration: “Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people” (Philippians 4:5). 

Such a way of living is countercultural, and it only comes from the Spirit bearing His fruit in our lives to reflect the Savior in our everyday interactions. But we have a choice each time someone speaks or deals with us harshly. We can return love to those who intend evil, intentionally extend kindness to those with whom we disagree, and engage in self-giving acts. Even if the world is harsh, we can walk the gentle path of Jesus.              

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

Gentle and gracious Savior,
Society today so often promotes harshness, with people coldly turning away from others or cruelly wishing for the demise of those with whom they disagree. Even in my own life, I have seen the indifference such harshness has bred. But You call us to a different way of life centered on love. You declared that the meek would be blessed, not those who scramble for power to lord it over others. We should strive to take the attitude of a servant, because You, the King of the world, became a servant to save us. Teach me to choose gentleness, though it may feel unnatural. I want to imitate You and glorify You in what I do.
Amen.  

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1 An example from the Lord’s earthly ministry. How did He demonstrate a gentle spirit toward others? For example, though He did speak sternly to the Pharisees at times, He dealt with each person in the way that was needed. Christ spoke gently to Mary at the Tomb after His resurrection. Also, He kindly dialogued with Nicodemus, prodding with questions as needed to provide correction.  

2 Something in your life that provides comfort and shelter from a harsh world, like regular warm cups of tea, time to admire nature, or a favorite music album. How might you create a style of living that offers that kindness to others? 

3 An aspect of creation that is currently harsh, but that will be redeemed and restored at the renewal of all things after Jesus’ return. What are you especially looking forward to? How might this image revive your motivation to cultivate a gentle attitude?  

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Yana Iskayeva

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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