Love is patient, love is kind

One of my favourite children's stories is the fable "the Sun and the Wind"

The Wind was very proud and wanted to be the best and be in control. When he saw a man with a coat on he challenged the Sun. "I can get this man to take his coat off quicker than you".

The Sun accepted the challenge and said "you go first".

So the Wind blew and he blew but the more he did the more the man held onto his coat and he could not get the man to let go.

Then it was the Sun's turn, he simply shone brightly and the man began to feel hot, so he took off his coat. The Sun won the challenge because gentleness is better than force...love it!

Proverbs 25:15 (MSG) tells us, "Gentle speech breaks down rigid defences."

We can all feel frustrated if things aren't getting done or when we don't feel listened to, including myself. I have realised that I have, though not purposely, spoken harshly to my family at times because I was feeling stressed or under pressure. But I am so sorry for that and I trust God to help me to show more gentleness and patience with the right things to say and do.

A trusted friends' gentle recommendation is far more persuasive than someone’s harsh pressure. In the Message, Proverbs 25:15 says, "Gentle speech breaks down rigid defences."

When we are trying to convince a family member or friend to do something that they're feeling defensive about, gentle words, not pushy, are better. Thank you Lord, that you help us.

Also I would love my family, and everyone I know or meet, to live for Jesus. I am learning to be gentler on how I share my faith, as I know from experience, it can put people off if I'm trying to convince them! Proverbs 25:15 (NCV translation) says , "A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed"

Shouting at a child is not productive. Anger and frustration only create fear, resentment, and defensiveness. Gently disciplining in love is the way to get good results.

Proverbs 25:15 (CEV translation) "Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem". With gentleness we can persuade even those in authority

over us.

Proverbs 16:21 ''A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more

pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is".

The more time spent with God and mature you are, the more wise, pleasant and positive your speech becomes. Another big challenge today is there are so many different opinions of the news, politics and situations around us, but we can pray and trust God in what to do or say and when / or not to say it.

When people are starting to argue, remember Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger."

I Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love is patient, love is kind." If we put it another way by placing "God is" instead of "love is" (it

helps us to see that God IS love). We can only apply his love if we fully trust in him and allow him to fill us with his love.

God is patient, he is kind.

He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud.

He does not dishonour others, he is not self-seeking,

He is not easily angered, he keeps no record of wrongs.

God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

God never fails.

Amen.

Let’s pray...Thank you Lord for your amazing grace, love, goodness, mercy and faithfulness.

Help me today to come to you in complete surrender and repentance, giving you anything that has burdened or hindered me. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit, love, joy and peace.

Galatians 5:22. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

Help me and all my brothers and sisters in faith to imitate Jesus and grow in the fruits of the Spirit. I pray for those in authority to govern wisely, peacefully and justly without anger and causing or reacting to fear. 2 Chronicles 7:14. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land".

Help teachers, tutors and parents also to teach children and young adults with wisdom, truth and gentleness without causing fear or reacting to fear. Protect and provide for all that are vulnerable.

Help me and those around me not to be pulled into other people's agenda's or be filled with fear at the news, or respond in anger but to keep trusting in you Lord for your good plans, purposes, love, peace and wisdom in all circumstances, guided by the Holy Spirit and your Word.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Help me to pray peace for communities and the Nation and where there is frustration, confusion or anger help me to be a peacemaker through prayers and gentle words in unity with other believers. Amen.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”