2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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GIDEON’S GENTLE ANSWER
DECEMBER 23
Proverbs 15:1, Judges 8:1-3
GIDEON’S GENTLE ANSWER
The men from the tribe of Ephraim caught and killed the two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). But they were still mad at Gideon for not calling them to join in the fight against the Midianites from the beginning. They scolded him angrily.
If you remember how God purposely downsized Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 men, you would know why the men of Ephraim could not be included. Gideon knew he was not responsible for not asking the men of Ephraim. Rightfully, he had the right to be angry in return. However, being humble and wise, Gideon chose to give them a soft answer. Instead of arguing or pulling rank and reprimanding them, he praised them!
Gideon said what they had done in battle was greater than what he and his army had done! He could see they wanted to fight for the Lord, which was in itself a good thing. See how Gideon looked out for the good in the men confronting him and praised them for the good thing they had done. Capturing the two enemy leaders, Oreb and Zeeb was indeed a good thing.
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Dear child of God, let’s look at what we can learn from Gideon’s attitude and action. He was humble. As their leader, he had the authority to tell the men off. He could have just told them in their face that God did not choose them and put them in their place. He did not do that for in his heart, he considered that the men of Ephraim did a better thing. Gideon was also wise. He followed the teaching of Proverbs 15:1. He was considerate of the men’s feelings and was therefore tactful in his reply to them. He praised them sincerely. By doing that, the men from Ephraim were not angry anymore. Everyone became happy
Thought: Be gentle. Handle angry people with care. But be sincere.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to let anger make me sin against you. Help me to be gentle even with people who like to pick quarrels with me. Teach me to look out for good things about others that I can praise them for. This is my request in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted in Junior
Proverbs 15:1, Judges 8:1-3
GIDEON’S GENTLE ANSWER
The men from the tribe of Ephraim caught and killed the two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). But they were still mad at Gideon for not calling them to join in the fight against the Midianites from the beginning. They scolded him angrily.
If you remember how God purposely downsized Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 men, you would know why the men of Ephraim could not be included. Gideon knew he was not responsible for not asking the men of Ephraim. Rightfully, he had the right to be angry in return. However, being humble and wise, Gideon chose to give them a soft answer. Instead of arguing or pulling rank and reprimanding them, he praised them!
Gideon said what they had done in battle was greater than what he and his army had done! He could see they wanted to fight for the Lord, which was in itself a good thing. See how Gideon looked out for the good in the men confronting him and praised them for the good thing they had done. Capturing the two enemy leaders, Oreb and Zeeb was indeed a good thing.
Dear child of God, let’s look at what we can learn from Gideon’s attitude and action. He was humble. As their leader, he had the authority to tell the men off. He could have just told them in their face that God did not choose them and put them in their place. He did not do that for in his heart, he considered that the men of Ephraim did a better thing. Gideon was also wise. He followed the teaching of Proverbs 15:1. He was considerate of the men’s feelings and was therefore tactful in his reply to them. He praised them sincerely. By doing that, the men from Ephraim were not angry anymore. Everyone became happy
Thought: Be gentle. Handle angry people with care. But be sincere.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to let anger make me sin against you. Help me to be gentle even with people who like to pick quarrels with me. Teach me to look out for good things about others that I can praise them for. This is my request in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted in Junior