This week we will discuss Chapter 5 “Gentleness as a Mindset” in Dr. Albert Rossi’s Becoming a Healing Presence. Within this chapter, Dr. Rossi explains that we must deal with others (and with ourselves) with the gentleness and humility of Jesus Christ. (Matt 11:29). If you remember our readings through Paul, this is the example and teaching throughout all of his letters. He constantly reminds his audience that he came among them with the gentleness of a nursemaid caring for a child. 1 Thess. 2:7. and with the meekness and gentleness of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:1, 1 Cor. 4:21. Paul tells us to lead a life of humility and gentleness (Eph. 4:2) so that our gentleness will be known to all and as a witness to Christ (Phil. 4:4). For gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:23. And it is Paul who reminds his successors, that all servants of Jesus must be gentle and not quarrelsome. 1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim. 2:25, Titus 3:2. Gentleness, however, is not a command to which we must force ourselves to fulfill. Rather gentleness grows out of humility and love in a sincere imitation of Jesus. If we regard others as better than ourselves (Phil 2:3) and understand how Christ humbled himself for our sake (Phil 2:5-11), then we will naturally treat others gently. It is only when we think of ourselves as better than others or more knowledgeable than others that we treat them harshly and thereby become no better than the unforgiving servant. Matt. 18:23-35.
The homework this week is to be aware of those situations in which we have been treated by others with the gentleness of Christ and how we have treated others with the gentleness of Christ. Dinner is at 6. The menu is Pasta with Italian Sausage. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here, and please bring a guest.
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7