One of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives is gentleness (Gal 5:23) which can also be translated as meekness. When we think of meekness we often think of weakness or someone who is a mouse. But this could not be further from the truth. The words for meekness in the Greek show us an individual who knows who he is in Christ and has his emotions, confidence, energy and strength under perfect control. Meekness and gentleness are moderate, humble, kind, affable, fair, patient, reasonable and considerate.

We are told to pursue meekness (1Tim 6:11), to walk in gentleness and meekness (Eph 4:2), so that people see it in us (Phil 4:5). We should be gentle in our dealings with others, especially as we talk to them of the things of God and bring correction (Gal 6:1). Jesus told us that He is gentle (Matt 11:29), but He was still able to be to the point, confront and be firm when He needed to be (John 8:1-11; 8:37-47). He did all things in love and for the best of people (John 13:34).

Let us take stock of our lives today, are we known for our gentleness and meekness?

Our bible is God’s word to us as Christians; it was written down under God’s inspiration: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:16-17; KJV). The bible is the Christians manual or handbook, just like a new car comes with an operator’s manual.

The bible tells us how to live to please God, what He has for us and how He wants to use us. God’s word is truth (John 17:17). In John’s Gospel, we are told that the truth will set us free (John 8:32); free to live an abundant life as God lives it (John 10:10). In Proverbs, we are told that Gods word brings life and health (Prov 4:22). God’s word is powerful (Heb 4:12); God spoke the word over creation and there was light (Gen 1:3).

The Bible is not a book to be read as literature but prayerfully, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit will reveal God’s truths to our spirits; we call this revelation and not just head knowledge. The word will guide us through all the challenges of life (Ps 119:105). As we meditate the scriptures (Ps 119:15) our faith grows; faith to receive from all God’s promises found in His word (Rom 10:17). To meditate is simply to dwell on parts of the bible and roll then around in our minds.

We can rely on God’s word; it is settled in heaven (Ps 119:89) and it will never return to us void (Is 55:11). It will never let us down.

Spend time in the Bible and God’s presence today: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh" (Prov 4:20-22; KJV).

I was watching my wife play “bubbles” with our 2-year-old grandson. The bubbles from the soap solution would drift through the air and he could not catch them. They would burst when they touched him. This reminded me of our words, they drift from our mouths like bubbles; sometimes flying like spears. We can never catch them or take them back and when the bubbles of our words burst on someone they have an effect, good or evil.

How often we catch ourselves saying, “O I never meant that” and desperately try to undo the harm our words have caused. But a word (bubble) released can never be taken back. In the Bible, it says that the words of our mouths show the condition of our hearts (Luke 6:45); they show what’s on the inside of us.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue”, the word says (Prov 18:21; KJV). Our words can bring life, love and encouragement or discouragement and death. God calls us to love and encourage one another (Prov 16:24; 1Tim 3:2). Let’s commit to ask God to put a guard over our mouths (Ps 141:3) and only speak as Proverbs 25:11 and 15:1 instruct us, “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver”; “a soft answer turneth away wrath” Of course words come from our minds, our thoughts, but that’s a thought for another day.

Speak gently today.