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“You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports
me; your gentleness has made me great.” - Psalm 18:35
While she ran through the streets, they tormented and chased after her. Her eyes were filled with tears and her mind rushed with the fear for her very life. She came around the corner and realized that she had come to a dead end. The walls that boxed her in on 3 sides were tall and impossible to scale. Her persecutors quickly caught up with her and formed a human wall across the only opening, blocking her path of escape. As she cowered in the corner, the men began to assemble, removing their coats and gather stones about them. Their anger resounded throughout the streets, and their eyes were black with venom as they spat insults and accusations at the young woman. Then one man stepped forward and knelt down near the side wall. His eyes were different than those around him, soft, gentle and warm.
Immediately, their attention was drawn to this man. They asked the man, “What shall we do with her?” No anger, no cynicism; he wisely replied, “If any of you are without sin, let him throw the first stone.” Causing them to re-evaluate their circumstances and their own lust filled, deceitful heart, until they all walked away. He proceeded to forgive her sins and send her on her way (John 8:3-11). A protector, a supporter and a gentle comforter, Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to all mankind.
As a father of 5, and a grandfather, there have been numerous opportunities when one of my children stood before me heartbroken, ashamed and embarrassed for something they had done. When these events have come upon our household we have to make immediate decisions on how to react. There are two choices: 1) Condemnation and anger, laying guilt and shame down upon my own child; or 2) Cradle them to my chest, comfort, love and discipline with compassion, while reassuring them of their value and forgiving the action. To which of these do you believe results in a positive influence on their lifestory? I’m sure you recognize the obvious answer to the question is #2. Through loving comfort, discipline and forgiveness we have the opportunity to build a stronger character in our children. I can personally state that I know gentleness leads to love.
Albeit` through a non-physical presence we know that God the Father loves us in this way. I feel His love, His gentle strength and His forgiveness in my life when I screw up. His word is true and promises our salvation and the redemption of our sins, if we will only give it to Him through an acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I draw upon His word as my shield in times when I am faced with troubles, and grasp His right hand to pull me out of the mire. Praise God for His grace and gentle loving guidance in our lives.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come today Lord seeking Your loving grace, Your gentleness and strength; Your peace and mercy as was promised within Your Word. We claim our rights to Your spirit of salvation and glorious redemption, and ask that You convict each of us to focus on those areas in our life where we need to put on Your gentleness in dealing with others. Help us to be authentic representatives of Your Son, Jesus Christ throughout our life. For it is in Your Name I pray - Amen
While she ran through the streets, they tormented and chased after her. Her eyes were filled with tears and her mind rushed with the fear for her very life. She came around the corner and realized that she had come to a dead end. The walls that boxed her in on 3 sides were tall and impossible to scale. Her persecutors quickly caught up with her and formed a human wall across the only opening, blocking her path of escape. As she cowered in the corner, the men began to assemble, removing their coats and gather stones about them. Their anger resounded throughout the streets, and their eyes were black with venom as they spat insults and accusations at the young woman. Then one man stepped forward and knelt down near the side wall. His eyes were different than those around him, soft, gentle and warm.
Immediately, their attention was drawn to this man. They asked the man, “What shall we do with her?” No anger, no cynicism; he wisely replied, “If any of you are without sin, let him throw the first stone.” Causing them to re-evaluate their circumstances and their own lust filled, deceitful heart, until they all walked away. He proceeded to forgive her sins and send her on her way (John 8:3-11). A protector, a supporter and a gentle comforter, Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to all mankind.
As a father of 5, and a grandfather, there have been numerous opportunities when one of my children stood before me heartbroken, ashamed and embarrassed for something they had done. When these events have come upon our household we have to make immediate decisions on how to react. There are two choices: 1) Condemnation and anger, laying guilt and shame down upon my own child; or 2) Cradle them to my chest, comfort, love and discipline with compassion, while reassuring them of their value and forgiving the action. To which of these do you believe results in a positive influence on their lifestory? I’m sure you recognize the obvious answer to the question is #2. Through loving comfort, discipline and forgiveness we have the opportunity to build a stronger character in our children. I can personally state that I know gentleness leads to love.
Albeit` through a non-physical presence we know that God the Father loves us in this way. I feel His love, His gentle strength and His forgiveness in my life when I screw up. His word is true and promises our salvation and the redemption of our sins, if we will only give it to Him through an acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I draw upon His word as my shield in times when I am faced with troubles, and grasp His right hand to pull me out of the mire. Praise God for His grace and gentle loving guidance in our lives.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We come today Lord seeking Your loving grace, Your gentleness and strength; Your peace and mercy as was promised within Your Word. We claim our rights to Your spirit of salvation and glorious redemption, and ask that You convict each of us to focus on those areas in our life where we need to put on Your gentleness in dealing with others. Help us to be authentic representatives of Your Son, Jesus Christ throughout our life. For it is in Your Name I pray - Amen
© Sondove
Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
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