How we treat each other makes a difference. Sometimes the effect is right then and there in that moment. Sometimes long reaching. How we treat one another is observed by other people. Sometimes when we treat each other poorly it can become a reason for other people to avoid Christians as hypocrites. On the upside, when people observe the gentle way with which Christians relate to each other and other people too, it becomes a drawcard to faith: a positive witness to the faith we have. What does gentleness look like? I’ve seen a person handle a baby bird fallen from a nest. It’s done with soft hands – not crushing or squeezing, with care and concern, trying not to cause harm to the bird. Perhaps that sort of gentleness translates to how we deal with each other. Perhaps it’s the gentleman or woman who holds open the door and lets other enter before their own entrance. It could even be the person who come along after something bad has happened and without blame or shame cleans up the mess others have left behind. It might be that person who treats others equally – recognising the needs and weaknesses of others, just as surely as they know well their own. Gentleness is expressed from those who know themselves well and serve and love with an inner strength that comes from being sure in themselves of who and whose they are.

Gentleness is not always easy to define, but somehow, we know it when we see and experience it. It is closely related to peace. We read in verse 7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. A consequence of gentleness is peace.

So here’s the Lord’s challenge to us today: to be gentler in our dealing with others. That’s real love.

I love arriving at verse 4 of the song “Lord of All Hopefulness”

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts Lord, at the end of the day.                Jan Struther

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