“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”Philippians 2:3-7

Benjamin Franklin once said, “I will speak ill of no man, not even in the matter of truth, but rather excuse the faults I hear, and, upon proper occasions, speak all the good I know of everybody.”— God desires that we would show gentleness to those around us. Christ gave us a perfect example through His character and compassion and He desires for us to be the example to those around us.

Gentleness is a rare thing in today’s culture. But even in the midst of this, we can show gentleness and kindness to others. We are to be the expression of gentleness in our society. — we— see three ways we can show gentleness in our lives.

First, we can express gentleness and kindness through our sensitivity. No matter how many Scriptures we have memorized, or how many convictions we have, if we do not have kindness it doesn’t matter. It has been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Sometimes our greatest witness is when we take time to help others.

Think back to someone who made a great impact in your life. Maybe it was a teacher, a friend, a parent, a coach, or someone else. I’m sure that one of the reasons they had such a great influence on your life is because they showed that they cared. They took time for you and were kind to you. Even so, we can have a great impact on those around us if we will just take time to be sensitive and show others we care.

Second, we can express gentleness and kindness through our sympathy. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” There will be times when those around us are going through a time of trial or heartache. We must take extra time to give our sympathy during these times. Is there someone you know who is going through a difficult time right now? Even the smallest card or a simple phone call would show them how much you care. We must be sensitive to when others are hurting and we must show gentleness by giving them our sympathy.

Last, we must show kindness by being straightforward. Most people avoid confrontation and do not usually think of it as being kind, yet God desires that when need be, we would show our gentleness through loving correction. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” It may not be easy and the other person may not accept it well, but the best thing you can do for a friend is lovingly show them the error of their ways. This shows that you truly do care about them.

How are you expressing gentleness today? Do others around you not only know that you care about them, but see your kindness through your actions? Also, do you care about your friends enough to show them kindness through loving confrontation? We can express gentleness and kindness in our lives by showing others we care. Take time now to think of ways you can express kindness to those around you. Ask God to help you see ways you can express gentleness today.(Dr. Paul Chappell)

He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus– Matthew 14:29

Although Peter gets a lot of bad publicity regarding this event, because he eventually began sinking in the waves through unbelief, it is as much a lesson in faith as it is in unbelief.

Notice, first of all, that Peter did not get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus until he was invited by the Lord to do so. This may seem like a small detail, but it is actually crucial. Only God knows how many saints are out there today, trying to do the impossible when God has not bidden them to do so.

While it is certainly true that with God all things are possible—even what is impossible for us—we cannot expect to walk on water unless God has invited us to do so. We cannot expect to do the impossible unless the impossible is what God is calling us to.

Also, notice that Peter is the only one out of the boat. No one else even dreamed they could walk on water, but Peter knew that he could do it with Jesus’ help.

And perhaps this is the most crucial lesson from Peter’s water-walking experience — the reason he got out of the boat was to go to Jesus. No lesser goal will suffice. If you seek to overcome insurmountable problems out of any motivation other than drawing closer to Jesus, you will fail every time.

But when Christ bids you draw near to him, don’t let anything, or anyone, stand in your way. No wave can sink you, no ocean can drown you, when He is near. (From “A Good Thing”)

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”John 15:12–14

One of the best examples of a giving love is the story of Ted Stallard.— Ted was a typical young boy—he loved to play in dirt, explored much, and thought little of school. His clothes seemed to always be dirtied and wrinkled. He had written off school, made very poor grades, and no one seemed to accept him. Even his teacher Miss Thompson seemed frustrated with his apathy. Maybe if she had read his official school record, she would have understood him more:

1st grade: Ted shows promise with his work and attitude, but (has) poor home situation.
2nd grade: Ted could do better. Mother seriously ill. Receives little help from home.
3rd grade: Ted is good boy but too serious. He is a slow learner. His mother died this year.
4th grade: Ted is very slow, but well-behaved. His father shows no interest whatsoever.

Christmas time came during Ted’s 5th grade year. While all the other children were busy talking of the magnificent gifts they had bought Miss Thompson, Ted sat quietly in his seat, clutching a small brown paper bag. Miss Thompson called them up to her desk and one at a time, each child presented their gift. When Ted’s turn came, he was grinning from ear to ear as he presented his gift. Miss Thompson opened it to find an old bottle of perfume and a charm bracelet that was missing some charms. While the other children snickered, Miss Thompson put on the bracelet, sprayed on the perfume, and thanked Ted for the wonderful gift. Ted replied, “Now you smell just like my mother. And the bracelet looks nice on you too. I’m glad you like my presents.” It was then that Miss Thompson realized that Ted had given her some of his mother’s possessions. She cried that afternoon after school and committed to becoming a teacher more sympathetic and caring toward her students.

What had Miss Thompson overlooked in Ted’s life? She had missed the fact that Ted’s behavior stemmed from an inward struggle, an inward loss. Had she known about Ted’s mother, I’m sure she would have treated Ted differently, maybe taken more time to help him rather than become frustrated with him.

Think about the Teds of your life. Who is it that frustrates, angers, annoys, or upsets you? Have you ever stopped to question why they act the way they do? Most people’s outward actions are a result of inward hurt.

Notice Christ’s command in our verse, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (vs. 12). How did Christ show His love? He healed the sick, ministered to the hurting, and made a way of salvation for us all. Jesus didn’t allow sickness, disease, or even social rules stop Him from displaying love. Even as He was being crucified, His love never faltered (Luke 23:34).

If the Saviour loved those who crucified Him, can you love that person that annoys you? God commands us to love others as He has loved us. He didn’t allow our sin or actions to negate His love. Who have you not been so loving toward? Remember that everyone carries burdens. Alleviate someone’s burden today by obeying God’s command to love others.(By Dr. Paul Chappell)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith—.Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ.

He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.”

All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: He tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.”

Remember, therefore, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith.

We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercession, be fresh upon thy mind; when thou wakest in the morning look to Him; when thou liest down at night look to Him. Oh! let not thy hopes or fears come between thee and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail thee. –Charles Spurgeon

When I started preaching nearly half a century ago it was common to hear Christians speak about their “life verse”. Mine was what it is today. If I had but one verse to describe the goal of my life it would be Philippians 1:21,“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain“. If I had but one word to sum up the desire of my heart and purpose of my existence it would be “Christ”. If I had to make one declaration describing my outlook as to the future it would be this— the best is yet to come because “to die is gain“. Lastly, if I ever read one brief statement pertaining to this verse that puts it all into perspective it would be this one from the pen of John Piper–-” Christ is shown as great, when death is seen as gain. The reason for this is plain: the glory of Christ is magnified when our hearts are more satisfied in him than in all that death takes from us. If we count death gain, because it brings us closer to Christ (which is what Phil. 1:23 says it does), then we show that Christ is more to be desired than all this world can offer.”

Perhaps it would be good to read that again and then ask yourself this question–seeing that “Christ is more to be desired than all this world can offer” do I really have my priorities as they should be? Is Christ preeminent in my life? Do I esteem Him above all else?