Mr. Whipple had it right. Do you remember the old Charmin commercials? Mr. Whipple had to be guarding the Charmin tissue because he recognized its outstanding softness would cause many shoppers to be attracted to it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yG-y8poTLU) And, once attracted, they would want to squeeze it. Why? When given a choice, anyone would elect to experience pampering and soothing over irritation and annoyance.
The same principle applies to our life experiences. How often have we been put into a situation where we had to put up with someone who was just plain mean? You know the type… it seems like everything they do is done with the intent of stirring up the most problems and hurting the most feelings. Instead of being patient and kind to others, they choose to be harsh and aggravating. In other words, they rub their associates like sandpaper instead of Charmin.
When given a choice, I would ALWAYS choose to spend time with the Charmins of this life. I only spend time with the sandpapers when it is absolutely necessary. The question we need to ask ourselves is “which type of a person do we want to be, a Charmin or a sandpaper type of person?” The type of person that we desire to be tells us a lot about ourselves…
THE SCRIPTURE:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-25)
THE STUDY:
In our above verses, we find that one of the “fruits of the Spirit” is “gentleness”. The word gentleness is speaking of a life that is kind, encouraging, and helpful; not harsh, nor harmful, nor bitter. We all know someone with a gentle personality. They are the ones that give us the much needed “boost” when we are discouraged. We derive strength from them when we are weak. It is this type of person that somehow brings out the best in all of us. This is the type of God that we serve…
The Father showed us this “gentleness”,or “kindness”, when He sent His Son to die for us… “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:7)
God the Son displays His “kindness” to us through the salvation He graciously gives to us… “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; “(Tit 3:4-5)
Remember, the basic principle found in Gals 5:22-25, a “fruit of the Spirit” is something that is displayed in a Christian’s life through the enabling of the indwelling Spirit. This is a vital key to living a gentle, kind life.
As fallen, sinful mankind, we all struggle to be kind to others. It is much easier to be impatient and mean to others than to be patient and kind. If we are left to ourselves we all would be short tempered to others. But, if we look to the Spirit’s intervention in our life, He will enable us to be patient and kind when it is so very difficult to do. Like all others areas of the Christian life, reliance on the Lord’s strength is the key to successful living.
None of us can live a Godly life without His intervention and strength…”I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. “(Joh 15:5)
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
After setting the example for us, and then, enabling us to live a gentle life, what more could we ask from Him? All he asks from us is to live a life that displays Him to others. By us being kind, we are showing others His kindness; by us showing mercy, we are showing others His mercy; by us forgiving others, we are showing others how He forgives sin.
Showing our Lord to others, through our lifestyle, is the greatest privilege possessed by a Christian…“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Col 3:12-13)
If anyone has not received Christ as their Lord and Savior, go back and review the verses about God’s kindness He has shown to man. In both cases, the Father’s and the Son’s kindness is extended toward you. He will not turn anyone away who comes to Him for salvation. By coming to Him, in faith, trusting His words and His works, you will be saved. Please read some or all of the following verses from God’s Word, they will help you to understand more about trusting in Christ and what God has done for us:
God the Father’s role in our salvation (Eph 1:1-6); God the Son’s role in our salvation (Eph 1:7-12); God the Spirit’s role in our salvation (Eph 1:13-14)
Our responsibility is to trust Christ’s words and His works for us (John 6:63-64; John 10:24-30; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 16:30-32; Roms 10:8-9)
If you have any questions, or would like more information please feel free to contact me at the email address at the end of this blog. Or, if you would rather, contact any Bible believing church in your area. I’m sure they will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the forgiveness of our sins or living a gentle life.
If you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
May the Lord bless your study of His Word.
Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”
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