25th. June. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Titus 3:1-8
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Gentleness is probably the least-talked-about fruit of the Spirit. And even though it is often overlooked, it is one of the most important character traits of people who live by the Spirit. In the Bible, gentleness is also called meekness, and it is a prominent virtue in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches us, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
Jesus calls out, “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” (Matthew 11:29). To be gentle or meek is to be God-moulded, Christ-shaped, and Holy Spirit-directed. Ask the Spirit for an extra measure of gentleness today.
Prayer
Forgive us, Lord, for associating gentleness with weakness. May we as Christians take the lead in being gentle toward everyone. Amen.
To Walk in the Spirit Today
Holy God, in the daily journey from sunrise to sunset, remind me always of your holy presence hovering near, both within me to guide me, and surrounding me to protect me. Free me from shame and self-doubt; and help me, and all of my fellow believers, to see the myriad opportunities to walk our path in the courage, honesty, and wisdom inspired by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
To Appreciate Another
Grant me the moment, the lovely moment
That I may lean forth to see
The other buds, the other blooms,
The other leaves on the tree:
That I may take into my bosom
The breeze that is like his brother,
But stiller, lighter, whose faint laughter
Echoes the joy of the other. Amen.
from A Little Girl’s Prayer by Katherine Mansfield
Prayer for the World
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Healing and Recovery Prayer
Heavenly Father, your word says that if anyone is in trouble, they should pray. If anyone is happy, they should sing songs of praise and if anyone is sick, they should pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Hear my prayer for myself and for people whom I wish to support in prayer today. Give us the gift of faith, not in the strength of our prayers or anything that we can do, but in your mercy and power. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
