Not Forcing Our Way in the World

When the apostle Paul lists off the gifts of the Spirit, he ends with these three (from the NIV translation): faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Message translation has a fresh take on those words and what they might mean now.

Take a few moments with this verse and see what stands out to you:

We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. - Galatians 5:22, The Message

As we’ve thought this week about the gentleness of Jesus, how does it settle on your soul that Jesus did not need to force his way on others? That may not be the way you were taught about Jesus, and it may well not be the way you have experienced the people who call themselves followers of Jesus. But Jesus was gentle, truly gentle.

Take some time to ponder how Jesus sees you right now, looking on you without the need to force an agenda on you while loving you fully and wanting your very best.