Your Daily Slice

Av 22

Gentle

“An overseer, then, should be … gentle, not quarrelsome.” (1Tim 3:2-3 ISR)

First, folks, let me remind everyone that in this series from 1Timothy, we are examining the qualifications for those in leadership positions.  I believe I am safe is saying that all of us have known, or know of, one that is in leadership that ought not to be there.  If we understand the qualifications needed for those who stand as our leaders, then we should more easily recognize those individuals who have placed themselves as ‘the shepherd’, and are not qualified.

While these qualifications are especially fine-tuned for those who stand behind the pulpit, they certainly are well worth cultivating in our own lives, even if we should never stand in the place of ministry.  Examining this list reveals that it closely parallels the fruit of Elohim’s spirit, as is found in Gal 5:22-23, fruit that should be evident in every Torah keeper’s life.  And this is the case when we look at today’s focus: gentleness.

Epieikēs (Strong’s G1933) is the Greek word that is used in our opening verse, and has been translated as patient, peaceable, lenient, humble, courteous, as well as gentle.  This is not the same word that is used in Gal 5:23, describing the various fruit of Elohim’s spirit, which uses a different Greek word (praotēs, Strong’s G4236).  However, something that all of us should recognize, is that being gentle in manner is never equated as being weak.  Not ever.

We have a close friend that I call the original ‘horse whisperer’.  Watching him work with horses is not only an education, but a joy, as he is able to train these 1000lb+ animals to do what he wants them to do.  This man works from a stand of firmness, but gently applied, and it is evident in the great love and affection that his horses have for him.  These animals choose to do anything he asks them to do.  And so it should also be with us, as we deal with one another.

It is not necessary to be loud and dictatorial in our relationships with others, and especially from one who is in leadership.  This type of attitude ultimately leads to being ‘quarrelsome’, to all types of arguing, fighting, back-biting, and eventually strife, none of which is pleasing to our Creator, nor does it being Him any semblance of honor and esteem.  Remember, brethren, those who are in leadership should live a life that always reflects our Abba Father, in all that they say and do.

And let us remember the old saying:  “you will catch more flies with honey that you will with vinegar”.  I am by no means comparing us, the children of the Living Elohim, with flies; however, someone who is gentle and sweet, as opposed to someone who is ‘abrasive and sour’, will always be further ahead.

“But the wisdom from above is first clean, then peaceable, GENTLE, ready to obey, filled with compassion and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (Jam 3:17 ISR, emphasis mine)

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