Let your gentleness be known to all men. -- Philippians 4:5, RLIV.
THE Greek word here rendered "moderation" seems to carry with it the thought of reasonableness, and of not exacting our rights too rigorously. Mercy and leniency are certainly qualities required of all who would be members of the body of the Anointed. Faithfulness in the performance, as far as possible, of all that justice would require of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our requirements of justice from others should be our rule: so shall we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for He is kind and merciful to the unthankful. -- Excerpt from "Rejoice in the Lord Alway" Z.'03-7R3128:2
THE Greek word here rendered "moderation" seems to carry with it the thought of reasonableness, and of not exacting our rights too rigorously. Mercy and leniency are certainly qualities required of all who would be members of the body of the Anointed. Faithfulness in the performance, as far as possible, of all that justice would require of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our requirements of justice from others should be our rule: so shall we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for He is kind and merciful to the unthankful. -- Excerpt from "Rejoice in the Lord Alway" Z.'03-7R3128:2
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The Greek word rendered as “gentleness” above is used to mean more than gentleness as we often use that word in English. It can refer to being moderate, not given to extremes, as well as to being reasonable, and sensible. The American Standard Version uses the word “forbearance,” the Emphatic Diaglott, “gentleness.” Strong gives the meaning of the Greek word as “appropriateness.”
Many things that we might be inclined to do as related to our sinful flesh may not be appropriate conduct for the regenerated child of God. As new creatures, it would not be appropriate to be rude or to become inpatient, even though we may consider circumstances may justify such conduct. It is never appropriate for a Christian to be rude and impatient. Paul lists many of the works common to our sinful flesh that are not appropriate for the new creature. (Galatians 5:19-23) He also list the fruits of the spirit that the new creature should be cultivating. -- Galatians 5:22,23.
However, it appears that it is our speech, what we say, that is hardest to bring under subjection to the spirit. It is so easy to imitate the world by making use of swearing or even cursing, as well as gossip. Indeed, so great is the tongue as a hindrance to Christ-likeness that James wrote: "If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also." (James 3:2) And yet, none of us can claim to have fully bridled our tongues so that we never swear, curse, or gossip.
Many things that we might be inclined to do as related to our sinful flesh may not be appropriate conduct for the regenerated child of God. As new creatures, it would not be appropriate to be rude or to become inpatient, even though we may consider circumstances may justify such conduct. It is never appropriate for a Christian to be rude and impatient. Paul lists many of the works common to our sinful flesh that are not appropriate for the new creature. (Galatians 5:19-23) He also list the fruits of the spirit that the new creature should be cultivating. -- Galatians 5:22,23.
However, it appears that it is our speech, what we say, that is hardest to bring under subjection to the spirit. It is so easy to imitate the world by making use of swearing or even cursing, as well as gossip. Indeed, so great is the tongue as a hindrance to Christ-likeness that James wrote: "If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also." (James 3:2) And yet, none of us can claim to have fully bridled our tongues so that we never swear, curse, or gossip.
Nevertheless, we should all strive to say the right thing at the right time, and in the proper, Christlike way. Thus we will be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”—Matt. 10:16
The more we understand and appreciate God's plan for man, the more we are enabled to show forth the spirit of gentleness, meekness, and reasonableness that Paul wrote of above. A true appreciation of and faith in the promises God has given tend to make us sober, careful and considerate in every affair of life. Rightly exercised, we become more sympathetic towards the groaning creation, realizing that the present time of travail is only temporary. On the other hand, as we learn more of God's plan, if we have the proper appreciation of such knowledge, the more we should realize that there is much we do not know, and this further helps us to be humble and moderate in word, deed and thought. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.
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