SEP 20

2 Corinthians 10:1
Memorise James 1:21b
“for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”

The Apostle Paul met with a great deal of opposition when he was at Corinth. He had to write at least three letters to the church there as there were many contentious issues that he had to address. They were facing internal strife, committing fornication, taking one another to curt and some were abusing the Lord’s Supper.

Here Paul writes in a mild and humble manner as he seeks to restore them to a life of holiness as well as to defend his authority as an Apostle. He appeals to the great example of the Lord Jesus Christ who showed great meekness and gentleness when He walked on earth. He sought to emulate Christ in the way he defends himself as well as to seek repentance and spiritual renewal among the Corinthians.

Christ is “before all things, and by him all things consist’ (Colossians 1:17). He is the beloved and only begotten Son of God, and it “pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell” (Colossians 1:19). Yet, he was gentle, caring for the poorest of widows, beggars and leprous outcasts. He went and ate in the homes of people who were despised as “sinners.” Even when He hung on the cross, he prayed for those who drove nails through his hands and feet, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He Himself taught us, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Dearest teen, are you tempted to think, like the world, that meekness is weakness? To them, a meek person has no strength to fight back and is a weakling. But have you pondered well and deep over such matters? Is it really weakness? It is very simple to hit back when attacked. It is the reaction of the natural man. It is only the spiritual man who can absorb the hurts for we have crucified self and it is the life of Christ that lives in us. As such, we are willing to suffer for Christ, to forgive those who offend us and to be brave to go forward to continue serving the Lord. We know that Satan would be only too pleased to hinder us. So, we valiantly soldier on for the great name of our Lord and His kingdom. We must therefore strive towards gentleness and meekness, not brute force. Isn’t this true strength?

Thought: Sometimes we are bold as a lion and sometimes we are gentle as a lamb.
Prayer: Gracious heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to be bold in witnessing for Thee and yet gentle and meek in winning others to Christ.