“There is no one more filled with kindness and gentle answers than Jesus.” Scotty Smith
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2)
A WEEK FOR KINDNESS AND GENTLENESS
Lord Jesus, as with all of Scripture, this passage makes us think of You. There is no one more filled with kindness and gentle answers than You. Your heart and words are always loving, healing, and freeing. Even Your rebukes are life-giving.
When we rush into Your presence with demands dressed up like questions, and clenched fists rather than raised hands, You always greet us and grace us. You are not only merciful with “bruised reeds and smoldering wicks,” You are altogether compassionate when, like Jonah, we’re pouty and self-absorbed. We are so grateful, Lord.
You are firm with us, but never harsh; engaged, but never exasperated; unyielding, but never overbearing. When we ignore Your wooing and warnings, we reveal how little of Your beauty we are seeing in the moment.
In our most Gospel-sane moments, we offer You humility, submission, and adoration. Continue to show us where we’re not as free as You intend, or as joyful as You desire, or as loving as we will be one day.
A WEEK FOR KINDNESS EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus, as we begin another work week, may Your Spirit empower us with gentleness, kindness, and good words for others. As You spoke this world into existence, so speak beauty, quiet, and caring deep into our souls. Liberate us for Your glory, and our tongues for Your praise. So very Amen we pray, in Your ever-so-glorious name.
A Week for Gentleness, Kindness, and Good Words first published at The Gospel Coalition on August 20, 2018. Published with permission.
Questions For Reflection
1. When have you experienced the kindness, gentleness, and compassion of God?
2. When are you drawn into the beauty of the Lord?
3. Where are you stuck? What are you holding onto that is robbing you of joy?
Scotty Smith
Scotty is Founding Pastor of Christ Community Church, in Franklin TN—a PCA church he planted with friends in 1986. After pastoring CCC for 26 years, Scotty resigned from the staff in May, 2012, to serve the larger Church with his preaching, teaching and writing. He serves as the Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church, Nashville—a daughter church of Christ Community. Scotty also serves as an adjunct faculty member for Covenant Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, and RTS in Orlando. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (BA), Westminster Seminary (MAR) and Covenant Seminary (D Min.). Scotty has written a number of books, including Unveiled Hope, Objects of His Affection, and Everyday Prayers. Scotty and his wife, Darlene, have two adult children.
Ask Generous Questions
Lean into the living presence of Jesus and cultivate a deeper relationship with one another. When we slow down and really listen to each other, we grow together as the Body of Christ on earth.
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