The Thursday Update

AUGUST 17, 2023

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

When you hear the words “meek” or “gentle”, what do you think of?

Do you think of a young kid having their lunch money taken away at school each day by a bully?  Do you think of a person becoming a human doormat for others to walk all over?  Do you think of someone who could never make it in this “me first” culture.  Those are just some of the pictures that may come to mind.  And that would be unfortunate.

Being meek and gentle are not only the eigth trait of the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, they are also traits that show more power than you might naturally think.  More on that on Sunday.

Living a meek and gentle life is always a better way to live than their rival counterparts: prideful and aggressive behavior.  It may not seem like it, but in the end there is a power to gentleness that exceeds any of the alternatives.  Gentleness can change situations and lives for the long haul, including our own.  And when we live this way, God keeps us from being run over and trampled on more than we would naturally think.

Are you striving to be a more gentle and meek person?  It is not natural and is not easy either.  But it is powerful and it is rewarding.

Warmly,
Vince