Philippians 4:5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Paul wants to make sure that the gentleness of the Philippian congregation is evident to all. Why? Because the Lord is near. We want to see our gentle ways as we wait for the Lord's return.

In a world in which people are often hostile toward one another, our gentleness can stand out. We only need to look to our Lord Jesus to understand gentleness. He said, "I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). He took little children into his arms and blessed them. He spoke gently even of those who crucified him, saying, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

We can be humble in our approach to people, embrace children and care for those around us. We can be gentle, forgiving those who have hurt us and recognizing that we are all sinful and in need of the grace and mercy found only in the cross. Even when we witness to others of the hope we have in Christ, we are to do so "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). We need to be comforting, not overbearing, in sharing our faith. Be gentle in your ways today, with the help of God.
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