Thy gentleness hath made me great

"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great" (2 Sam. 22:36).

David is known in history as one of the great kings of Israel. There are many things that we can point to about David's life that contributed to his greatness and success. But its interesting to note that one of the things that David himself pointed to was the "gentleness" of God. David certainly experienced God's disciplining hand. But David also experienced the love, mercy and gentleness of God.

Sometimes we think that the only way to help others (like our children) to become the person(s) we think they need to become is by stern discipline, strict rules and even harshness, although we might not call it that. There is a place and time for some of these things. But do you also exhibit tenderness, kindness and gentleness in your dealings and relationships with others? If you desire to be an encouragement to others and help others grow in the Lord? If you want to help bring out the best in others and help make others become great in God's eyes, gentleness must characterize your life?

The Apostle Paul when speaking about how he related to the believers in Thessalonica wrote, "For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us" (1 Thess 2:5-8) The Thessalonians believers were great Christians and one of the reasons why was because of how others like Paul cared for their spiritual lives. Paul said of them, "But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." The word gentleness speaks of being sensitive and considerate in our dealings with others. It means that we treat others with dignity and respect rather than with harshness, impatience and partiality.

Do you want to help others reach their full potential in the Lord? How about displaying some genuine holy spirit produced gentleness.