A little reminder to be gentle with each other

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."

-Ephesians 4:2

We have a new member in the family. Last week, I got the opportunity to spend time with my precious new grandson.

There's nothing like the sweetness of a newborn baby. I find it interesting watching the way adults respond to them.

At our family gathering, I sat in my chair and observed how my family interacted with our new baby. I noticed them smile, make funny faces and cooing sounds, and gently stroke his chubby, pink cheeks.

His parents even instructed his 5-year-old brother, several times, "be gentle" whenever he would approach the baby.

It's amazing that we have to give reminders to someone to approach another with gentleness. It appears to me to be one of the Christian virtues our modern-day society has lost touch with.

With all the anger and bitterness displayed in the world, as Christians we, too, forget gentleness is one of the spiritual characteristics we are to strive toward. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus is described as "gentle and humble of heart." He used gentleness, reassurance and compassion as he healed children, lepers and the inner wounds of hurting people.

When dealing with the complexities of our relationships, workplace, family and finances, it's often difficult to remain gentle when we are cooking supper and the kids are tugging at us, or we pull up to the gas pump and can barely fill our tank.

And when we deal with the communication skills of ourselves and others, we detect harshness tones and words. These attitudes can feel harsh and disrespectful.

We don't need to deny our angry or frustrated feelings, we just need to take a look at how we display them. Jesus was angered with many of the conditions of the world back then, and I believe he still is. He communicated with truth, firmness and love.

When practicing gentleness, we should consider extending a little to ourselves. I know I tend to be hardest on myself when dealing with my own sins, faults and mistakes.

Perhaps in the midst of tough times, we could all benefit from a gentle spirit. I believe Jesus was showing us by his example. With a touch of gentleness, we can feel and become more powerful and confident as we serve others with this new nature.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.