It is an invigorating sight to watch the billowing sails on a yacht glide effortlessly through the water on a glorious summer day. Yet the boat needs more than the gentle breezes to make its journey. It also depends on the strength and stability of that which is unseen; the rudder and keel below the waterline.
Read More strength, discipline, gentleness
Have you ever felt trapped by someone who was picking a fight with you about God, or maybe felt tongue-tied to explain your faith?
Put yourself in the blind man’s shoes: he does not yet fully understand what’s happened to him or who Jesus is, yet he’s summoned to a second meeting with powerful religious leaders.
Read More witness, testimony, gentleness, humility
Two millennia before the concept of individual learning styles became prominent in teaching, Paul emphasized the importance of truth being seen and experienced, as well as heard. Having enthralled the Philippians with the wonder of their salvation and hope of glorious future transformation, he earths his words in gritty practicality and pastoral warmth.
Read More goodness, thanksgiving, joy, beauty, reconciliation, gentleness
“Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet” (3:4).
This passage is troubling in these egalitarian times, for it appears to give biblical sanction to a patriarchal view of women. Indeed, complementarian Christians often cite it as a mandate to keep women in their place.
Read More beauty, weakness, gentleness, women, honourHow do we join God in restoring people from the lives they are trapped in? Do our words matter? How about our actions? According to Paul, yes and yes!
I’ve been reflecting lately on the importance of those who have helped restore me from the damage my choices sometimes produce.
Read More freedom, gentleness, being trapped, helping people