We’ve had a golden Labrador since my Boy was a toddler; the
dog is as gentle as the sun is warm. When the time comes, I wouldn’t hesitate
to replace her with another Labrador. She’s our second dog, the first is a Jack
Russell, who in contrast is harsh, ornery and grumpy (but we love her anyway
because she’s spunky, brazen and fearless). You can do almost anything to the
Labrador and she’ll stay relaxed and at peace. My Boy used to climb all over
her; when we watch movies, she lays at our feet, content to be used as a foot
stool. You can pull her lips, flap her ears or use her as a puppet.
She is gentle but when she’s defending our property, she can
be a beast to the one who is a threat. Her bark is loud and deep, and she
doesn’t back down. When my Boy was younger, we’d send him outside to play but
always sent the dog with him knowing she would defend the Boy if necessary but
otherwise would remain a gentle companion at his side, playing hockey or soccer
with him (she makes a good goalie) or is an excellent tracker in the game of
hide & seek.
Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit as having gentleness,
or being gentle (prautēs); Jesus preached blessed are the
meek (praus), for they will inherit
the earth. It’s the same root word and it’s how Jesus described himself in Matthew
11:29.
Some people think of Jesus only as meek and mild, and we’ve
been taught gentleness or meekness is being a door mat. Jesus is gentleness
personified – he was and is always gentle, but he also was not a door mat. Remember
his interactions with the Pharisees and with the temple money changers? Like my
dog (yes, I’m using my dog as an example of how to live and exhibit the fruit
of the Spirit), she is gentle in spirit but at the same time ferocious at the
threat of intruders into her territory.
We should be likewise, the kingdom of heaven is ours and we
should defend it, being gentle at all times but not a door mat, receiving every
false doctrine or contention that threatens the kingdom (keeping in mind our
battle is not against flesh and blood).
The fruit of the Spirit is cultivated by having Christ in you; he is gentle, so be gentle and
learn from him.
No comments:
Post a Comment