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Day 10 | Gentleness

In our driven society, gentleness is rarely taught.  

And it’s often absent.  

Our society praises strong, driven, bold women.  We focus our attention on the loudest voice.  Little is said about a woman who is quiet and gentle.  We sometimes forget that those around us need 

our ears and not our mouth.  

They need a touch. Shared tears.  

They need hope in someone else’s eyes when they can’t find it inside. 

We must learn that we can be strong and independent and still be gentle.  

What’s a symbol of gentleness to you?

A butterfly.

Soft music.

The ocean.

A smile in the crowded hall.

Sweet hands.

A baby.

A quiet heart.

Sometimes we have to search for it, but it’s there.  

There’s always a place for a soft word and a hug.  There’s always a need for someone to just listen.

There is always a place for gentleness.

We never outgrow that need.

Try gentleness.

Let’s think about gentleness.

I have a personality and lifestyle that is task-oriented and to the point. I don’t mince words and I don’t do things half-way. I work hard.  I play hard. And I expect the best from the people in my life.

If you’re like me, we have to be careful to stay aware of the tone in our voices, the look on our faces, and the message we’re sending.  If we aren’t mindful of our actions, we can be perceived as thick-skinned women who think insufficiently and talk quickly.  

That’s not my heart. If you’re doing this study, it’s likely not your heart either. And we don’t want to be misunderstood.

I find it most important to guard my actions toward those I love. Too often we assume that when we’re confident in a relationship, we can act in any way we please and still be secure.  It’s just not right to treat those closest to us as though they have no feelings under the guise that they know us and understand us.  We must strive in this ever-sensitive area to treat our family as well as we would treat a friend.  

We must protect these relationships or we’ll destroy them.

There’s something very beautiful about a woman who is driven, successful, independent, and also gentle.

What are some ways you could begin to show gentleness? You know, there are people all around us who are starving for a soft word or a hug. Sometimes all they need is just understanding eyes and a listening ear, a kind look, and mercy on our lips. We have such a deep responsibility to respond to the call of Christ to show gentleness.   

Today, intentionally show gentleness to someone close to you. 

Search for God’s thoughts on gentleness. Ask God to bring to your attention the people you come in contact with that need to be treated with more gentleness from you.