Gentle in Spirit

“AHHH, are you out of your mind.” How many times have you gotten yelled at for simple mistakes or even for situations out of your control? Personally speaking, I have gotten yelled at a few times in my life, and it sucks!

I proposed this question to my Sunday School Students: How do you react to irritating situations?

Many answered the obvious, “I get mad and give them a piece of my mind.” “I just walk away and not talk to them.” “it is their fault I get irritated.”

The main aspect of my character that I give to God and attempt to work on daily is my temper, the quickness of my flesh to become engulfed in frustration. I share my struggle with everyone. The kids from my church were in disbelief when I admitted my great aptitude to get an attitude. Because I am always in a “good mood”, they assume that I do not get bothered or upset.

And, it took me to a state of ponder of my youthful years. Yelling or aggressiveness was never part of my life. My mother was always patient and talked to us; my godmother is one of, if not, the most patient and soft spoken lady, and I myself grew up in silence. That is, until I came to the self-realization that boldness overpowered silence and tenderness in most situations. Now that I am older, I confess that I have been impulsive in my emotions and quick to irritation; I have allowed, in many cases, for my flesh to react in a very harsh manner towards others. I deeply apologize.

In present day, it saddens me to witness the youth and even the adults be quick to anger and irritation. We are the representation of Christ. We are not Christ himself but Christ-like. Our light must shine as we walk in the gentle spirit of God. The word states that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The spirit of God is like the eye of the storm. Even when you are surrounded by destruction and darkness, the spirit keeps you in state of serenity. We must not allow the enemy to take that away; for it comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  This is not a battle we fight in flesh. I always find that I am reminding myself and the kids to be thoughtful in our actions. If someone stirs your spirit, before you act foolishly, pray and walk away if needed. Do not allow the enemy to steal your peace or joy. We live in battle of spirit and flesh.

I pray daily for the world, my church, the youth, my friends, my family and myself. That God may use us as His vessel. It is amazing all that God has done for and in me. The fact that the kids notice that I am always in a good mood means that the spirit dwells in me even when my flesh would like to react opposite. I have been appointed to guide the younger generations, and it is a great responsibility. The apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians urges us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Next time, when someone irritates your spirit or angers you, do not be quick to lash out, instead settle your own spirit. Do not allow the enemy to win those small battles. The enemy lurks at our homes, workplaces, and even at our church, but let us stomp on the enemy. And together, we shall rebuke it all. In the name of Jesus.

Be kind,

Be patient
Be gentle in spirit