Relationship Builders

Good Monday! I didn't pester you all weekend, so lookout this morning. No, no, that isn't the way to build relationship. Why did Paul tell us to let our gentleness be known to all in Philippians 4:5? Another translation uses 'reasonableness, but the advice is the same. We often want our ability to handle any situation to be well known, or our physical strength, or the facade that is the outside of our body, or even the fame and wealth of worldly success. No doubt all those ways will bring some kind of relationship, wealth and fame in particular. However, the Bible calls for a better way to build relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. No, actually the verse calls for us to show our gentleness to all men, that is to all human beings. It is simply another way of saying, "Love your neighbor as yourself." And, is not gentleness, lovingkindness, reasonableness, and other relationship builders following the command of our Lord to do unto others as we would have them do unto us?

Of course, the carnal man isn't much of a relationship builder. The carnal man steeped in the wisdom of the world wants to crash in like the Incredible Hulk (though on the outside he resembles more the incurable bulk). Today, let the carnal man submit to the will of the spiritual man and let us build some relationships. Gentleness, love, encouragement, peace, kindness, these are the way to relationship, and let us not forget that power we are given: forgiveness. Amen. Joy and gratitude to our Lord who rose from the dead!

Bucky