Thursday, June 23, 2011

21 Days of Prayer - Day 16 - Gentleness

I really like what Brooke had to say on this topic:

Aggression in men is commonplace. It may not manifest itself the same way for all of them, but it’s there

nonetheless. For the physical boys, it shows up in their need to be on the top of the wrestling pile. For the

intellectuals, it shows up in their need to score the highest on the exam or be at the top of the class.

Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with aggression. I don’t want to break my sons of their

aggressive streak and I’m learning not to be afraid of it. But I do want to teach them how and when to use

it. I’m beginning to think that gentleness is more of an approach to life than a specific characteristic to

develop.

Since they were born, we’ve whispered these words into our sons’ ears:

God made men to protect women and care for them. God made you a big brother! Your job is to protect your

little brother, not hurt him. There’s a time to play and a time to listen. If you can’t listen, you have to feel (true in

so many aspects of life). God wants you to use your strength to protect, not to hurt. Superhero’s don’t look for

fights, but they will fight to protect others. It’s OK to want to be the best, but the best people in life are the ones

who serve others. A gentle word turns away wrath …

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,

impartial and sincere." ~James 3:17

Your challenge today is to pray the 10 prayers in the gentleness chapter

:-)

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