Patiently and Gently

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

PATIENTLY AND GENTLY

Prov 25:15

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

NIV

We might at first thing that it would take a crushing blow with a large bunch object to break a bone, but it only takes a gentle tongue. How can that be? Perhaps this is similar to that saying we saw a while ago about a soft answer turning away wrath. In order to win or persuade someone of the truth we need not become argumentative in our discussion. Even our passion for the word and the truth within we might be perceived as arguing, having little patience for their point of view or their reasons for objecting to what we consider the  truth. Every person has their view of what they believe truth is. For the most part, most believers see the scripture as truth, but then there are even various forms of the truth, or at least their opinions of what the truth is. Non-believers also have some view as to their truth for life, even if it is void of the acknowledgment of God. It is through our patience, our living out the gospel in full view of all we come in contact with, both the believer and the non-believer, that we can persuade them of the truth as we know and understand it from having the Spirit reveal within us that which is true. Of course everyone has the same opportunity to have the Spirit reveal the truth to them. We cannot understand how some views are not in line with the truth, unless of course they have quenched the Spirit.

1 Thess 5:19

19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;

NIV

We are told to test every spirit, to allow the Spirit to bear witness to that which is true and that which is not true.

1 John 4:1

4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

NIV

This clearly indicates we have the capability with the Spirit dwelling within us to be able to determine that which is right and true and that which is wrong and false. But still with the truth of this saying we are to use patience, giving soft answers to bring others into the light of the truth. The Spirit is not rude or boastful. The Spirit is not self-seeking. The Spirit is patient, it is kind, and it does not envy nor boast. The Spirit is not proud, although it has every right to be. The Spirit is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrong. The Spirit does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. The Spirit always protects, it always trusts and it always hopes. If we are living in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, keeping in step with the Spirit then all these traits and behaviors are our life as well. We will speak with soft tones, prompted by the love of Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit, and with patient endurance, in order that other will come to Christ.