Day 40
The Holy Spirit enables us to be gentle so we can extend God’s loving touch to those who are lost in sin. All around us are people who are broken and hurting, empty and searching for love and acceptance. Believers ensnared by sin can only be restored gently. Satan wants to destroy their lives, but God wants to bring healing and hope. Remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy? Those who opposed him should be instructed gently. Why?
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)
Notice how Jesus deals with Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Zacchaeus is the hated tax collector, rich because he took money from other people, despised by everyone. Does Jesus point his finger at him and accuse him of being the thief he really is? No. Jesus looks up, points to him, and says, "Zacchaeus, come down from that tree. I'm coming to your house for dinner tonight." Jesus saw a man who needed to be restored, and with gentleness, He restored him.
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." - Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
"Father God, give me a sensitive heart to care for others and bear their burdens. Help me respond to the fallen in Your ways, not my ways. Help me be concerned with them as You are with me. Give me a gentle heart to love on them as You love me. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray, Amen!"
Day 261 Bible Reading: Isaiah 29-30, Galatians 4, Psalm 62 and Proverbs 23:19-21 
