Stand Gently
Good Morning,
When we read the Bible, we should read much. When we make a decision based on the Bible, we should base it on more than one verse. God can communicate in a single passage or just a word, but it is wise to read much. From comparing one verse to another, we also learn much. Likewise, we find much in the context or the verses around the verse.
Notice how Paul wrote to his friends the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2:2 “... shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
vs. 4 “... so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God…"
vs. 5 “For neither at any time used we flattering words…"
vs. 6 “...nor of men sought we glory …"
These verses might imply a strong, harsh stand, perhaps having to argue, debate, or deal with great conflict. These are good truths for the Christian to cling to, to urge us to stand firm in our conviction and not to bend. These verses could encourage us to be less than “nice," but then we read verse seven and realize there are both sides of a strong stand for your faith.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:"
The Christian should stand firm; he should stand deliberately. The Christians should stand without wavering from truth and right. A Christian should be willing to face conflict, as well as be in the midst of contention. These things are not easy, and they clash with our traditional philosophy of being "nice."
In verse seven, we read that Paul said he was gentle as a nurse who cherishes children. The Christian life is not easy. The Christian life is not casually lived or recklessly practiced. Knowing humanity, we usually gravitate to the right or the left. Like driving down the street, we rarely drive in the center of the lane; we constantly need to adjust our position.
Two quick thoughts regarding this subject: First we should be patient with those around us, especially Christian leaders. We cannot afford to have those in positions of leadership bowing and bending to every push and shove that comes from the world, the flesh, or the devil. On occasion, we will be offensive and lack gentleness.
The very kind and warm Christian leader might also be the one who is too soft and compromises on right; standing in the dead center is difficult.
Secondly, it is wise not to be too hard on yourself. Each one of us will drift to the right and left. We will be too nice one day, yet avoid the risk compromise and be too harsh another day; we may seem unkind and without feeling.
We are sinful men seeking to live the Christlike life about which Paul wrote. He said a war was inside him. John also wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…” (1 John 1:8).
Referring back to the illustration of driving down the road, let us all decide that we must keep our hands on the wheel and constantly adjust to the right or left, while we seek to stand firmly in the center, while standing gently, knowing that those two positions are not easy to balance.
Pastor