GENTLE WORDS

Two "gentle" things from nature....
cotton and feathers

Gentle—even the word is usually pronounced softly, like the quality it describes. It makes me think of soft things like cotton and feathers. I was surprised to learn that our English word came from one meaning “a clan” or “a person of high social station.” That makes sense because a person born of “status” typically (though not always) has refined and polite manners and mannerisms. Think: “genteel.” Recall movies of old-time, manners-conscious aristocrats. Or, in another realm, the healing powders or lotions rubbed gently on inflamed skin.

People who portray the trait “gentle” usually have a kind face and mannerisms. There's no fire, hatred or bluster in their speaking or writing. They have control over anger. These scriptures come to mind:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:20)

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) (The “salt” reference reminds me of how in Bible times salt was used to ward off spoilage. The verse does NOT refer to “salty language” associated with negatives.)

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver....” (Proverbs 10:19-21—two of many “tongue” references in Proverbs)

“Put off falsehood and speak truthfully...in your anger do not sin...do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:25-27) It is possible to answer harshness with gentleness. Someone I know told of answering the phone one day and hearing the words, “I hate you!” Recognizing the voice of someone with anger issues (and for whom they'd prayed for years), they replied, “I can tell this is a negative call, so I'm going to hang up.” As expected, the caller immediately called again. But the recipient let the rebound call go to “message” rather than inviting more harsh words and an “anger foothold.”

Jesus could be harsh with the stiff-necked religious leaders of His times. He could reprimand His disciples when they got out of line. But He was also gentle with His followers and the fallen, wanting them to make wise and healing choices. Perhaps seeing that in the Gospel accounts has helped fasten a contemporary worship chorus to my heart. Listen here to the Gaithers' well-known “Gentle Shepherd.” (If there's an advertisement before the video, be patient for the performance.) Remember these lines: “We need your help from day to day.”

Gaither, Gaither Vocal Band - Gentle Shepherd [Live] ft. Gaither Vocal Band

WHAT'S 'RIGHT' ABOUT 'LEFT'

Ever given a thought to the trait of being right-handed? Or of the estimated 10-12% of the world's population who are left-handed? Even the Bible took note of it as a trait, highlighting a “leftie” Israelite judge and warrior who killed a Moabite king by pulling out his sword left-handed instead of the usual right-hand. It wasn't what the enemy king expected! (Judges 3:12-30).

Other than that, the Bible doesn't dwell too much on “handed-ness.” Most of the time I read about extending a right hand of welcome or the “right hand” side of a person being an honored place. When the Bible speaks of the “right hand of God the Father,” it's a metaphor for a place conveying authority, power, and honor. Jesus was accorded that honor upon ascending into Heaven. 

I have a grandson in elementary school who is left-handed, and for whom writing (especially cursive) is a not-fun task. When I help him with his homework, I sometimes wonder why our culture is so right-hand-focused. Another question: how much genetics affects that trait. In my family we were split: “lefty” husband/dad and lefty daughter, but “righty” mother (me) and son.

My “lefty” husband had a flowing cursive writing style, but he handled his pens or pencils in an “overhand” position. My “lefty” daughter chose a different way to hold a pen, but she capitalized her left-handed dexterity to become an accomplished violinist. (Have you ever watched a very good violinist and all the acrobatics the left hand accomplishes on the violin fingerboard?)

In modern times, the name “Lefty” has popped up in old Westerns (for characters with that trait and left-handed weapon-handling prowess). Many sports figures, especially baseball players, were called “Lefty” because that was their dominant hand. (Find the list here: Lefty - Wikipedia ). Left-handedness runs in British royalty: King George VI and the Queen Mother and their famous long-reigning daughter Elizabeth II. Her son (now King Charles) and grandson (Prince William) are also known to be lefties. The trait includes famed scientists: the Curies, Einstein, Newton, and Alan Turing (founded modern computer science).

Does “handedness” affect personality? Some say “lefties” are more independent because of how they've had to adapt to “righty” skills, like using scissors or can openers, writing in spiral notebooks (with the wire on the left), driving with a stick shift, and using computer mice.

Lots more could be dug up about the differences between “right” and “left.” But I am comforted and secure in knowing that such things are not a big deal to God. He said He is the way, the truth and the life. He who created us, also has a plan for us: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'” (Isaiah 30:21).