Sermon: When We Are Thankful
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The word, "gentleness," is translated as "moderation" in other Bible versions. It means "reasonableness" or "yieldingness" when dealing with matters of personal rights. Thus, this verse says, "Let your willingness to be reasonable be part of your reputation." Or, as the Living Bible translates it: "Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do." The reason for such an attitude is found in the last part of the verse: "The Lord is near." As Christians, we don't need to make sure our "rights" are always respected - "the Lord is near" and because He is, there is a greater calling placed on our lives. That is a calling to bless others, sometimes at the expense of our own personal rights (see Matthew 5:43-48). "The Lord is near" and the time that we have before He comes we should use to the best of our ability to bless others in our lives.
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The word, "gentleness," is translated as "moderation" in other Bible versions. It means "reasonableness" or "yieldingness" when dealing with matters of personal rights. Thus, this verse says, "Let your willingness to be reasonable be part of your reputation." Or, as the Living Bible translates it: "Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do." The reason for such an attitude is found in the last part of the verse: "The Lord is near." As Christians, we don't need to make sure our "rights" are always respected - "the Lord is near" and because He is, there is a greater calling placed on our lives. That is a calling to bless others, sometimes at the expense of our own personal rights (see Matthew 5:43-48). "The Lord is near" and the time that we have before He comes we should use to the best of our ability to bless others in our lives.
During the Thanksgiving season, may you remember to be "reasonable" when dealing with your family and friends, and make blessing them a priority during this season. Love and care for others because "the Lord is near" and the time we have with them is truly short and fleeting.
This coming Sunday I will be speaking about what happens when we as Christians are thankful. I hope to see you then!
