Reflection for May 20th from Revd Penny BodyJames 3 13 to the end13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches in the USA. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.)ReflectionI have chosen the New Testament reading for the day today because of its focus on the idea of gentleness which has long felt to me to be a really important attribute of the Christian life that makes such a difference both to our own lives, our understanding of God, and our relationships with others.As well as James, Paul talks quite a lot about being gentle. In Galatians he names gentleness as part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit – whose coming we celebrated yesterday – a theme echoed I think in James’ letter above when he talks about the “wisdom from above” – being first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits …. In Colossians Paul encourages us, as God’s chosen people, to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience - and in Ephesians he says “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”. Jesus himself invites all who are weary and seeking reast to come to him – to “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” And of course, in the Old Testament, in Kings, we read the famous story of Elijah at the entrance to the cave, hearing God in the gentleness that followed the great wind and earthquake.So why do I focus on the idea of gentleness today? Well I’m just back from a week of silent retreat – and gentleness and indeed all the fruit of the Holy Spirit always seem to blossom in the atmosphere of silence and prayer. And possibly also because it sometimes feels that gentleness is not always a quality valued in our society as much as it could be. It’s not a showy or “upfront” way of being and perhaps is even seen as a little weak sometimes?We are not always gentle with ourselves either – pushing through pain or tiredness to get something done when perhaps it could wait a little while or be done a different way. Or, we berate ourselves for something we have done or not done – when if we turn to him and ask for forgiveness and mercy God will not withhold it. Being gentle doesn’t mean we have to be doormats and never speak our minds – but it does mean we speak from a position of calm, peace, kindness and respect. Shouting at ourselves or someone else is unlikely to bring out the best response – either the other will cower in fear or respond in equal aggression – gentleness takes the heat out of the situation. Jesus was always gentle with those he took aside to heal as gentleness – like perfect love – casts out fear. So perhaps today – in the lovely weather – you might look out for the gentleness around you – in a beautiful flower unfurling its petals in the warmth – or a little, unassuming forget-me-not reflecting its cheerful beauty. Perhaps you might find it in a kind word from a neighbour or loved one. And perhaps you can spend the day being consciously gentle with yourself, those you interact with and creation. And if you are struggling to feel very gentle today –imagine you are looking at a newborn baby – perhaps even Jesus – and feel your eyes soften. And may you be filled with the fullness of the fruit of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. AmenThe Collect for PentecostHoly Spirit, sent by the Father,ignite in us your holy fire;strengthen your children with the gift of faith,revive your Church with the breath of love,and renew the face of the earth,through Jesus Christ our Lord. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
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Are you THIRSTY?! TCMC presents A service of worship and prayer There will be sung worship, the word, prayer & testimony FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 6PM AT ST MARY'S, APPLEDORE STARTS THE 6TH AUGUST! REFRESHMENTS SERVED FROM 5:3OPM