CHAPTER 12 – LET YOUR GENTLENESS BE EVIDENT
“Do not ever think yourselves better than the rest of your companions who share the same faith.” -St. Cuthbert
“Do not be deceived by those who seem to seek perfection, yet do not keep the basic commandments of God. There are people who eat little, who live simply and who are celibate; yet they show no love and compassion toward their neighbors. Before seeking perfection a person must first learn to love others and to be generous towards them.” -St. Morgan
“See in each herb and small animal, every bird and beast, and in each man and woman, the eternal Word of God.” -St. Ninian
In the heart of the Coworkers of Christ lies the concept of love, and respect is a vital expression of that love. The Bible reminds us in Romans 12:10 to show “genuine affection for one another.” This affection translates to respecting the inherent dignity of every person we encounter. We are all created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), regardless of background, belief, or any other distinction. This shared humanity forms the bedrock of respect – a recognition of the worth and value we all possess as God’s creations.
Furthermore, Jesus Christ Himself modeled perfect respect. Throughout his ministry, he interacted with dignity and compassion towards everyone, from outcasts to religious leaders. He challenged the status quo, but always with an underlying love and respect for the individual (Mark 2:14-17). By following Jesus’ example, we can cultivate an attitude of respect that transcends social barriers and extends to all people, reflecting the immense love God has for His creation.
Since love is the cornerstone of our lives, let’s make it real and practical. True love isn’t pretentious or arrogant, even in the privacy of our own thoughts. Remember, our actions and words reflect what’s truly in our hearts.
When love thrives within our relationships—both with ourselves and others—it transforms into respect. We are called to emulate Christ’s treatment of us in all of our interactions with others. Is someone feeling lonely or scared, seeking happiness? Offer them gentleness and compassion, kindness and understanding. Acknowledge their humanity; they were created for a purpose by God and are worthy of love and respect.
Acceptance doesn’t mean blind agreement. Sometimes, staying true to ourselves requires having different viewpoints. It’s about finding a way to coexist respectfully, even when we disagree, and seeking understanding rather than demanding conformity. It’s about creating space for diverse perspectives, recognizing that truth and wisdom can emerge from the interplay of different ideas. It’s about valuing the individual, even when their opinions differ from our own, and fostering a community where respectful dialogue and open exchange are valued above all. It’s about understanding that unity
doesn’t necessitate uniformity, and that true strength lies in embracing the richness and complexity that comes from a diversity of thought.
Respect is being kind with your humor, truthful when frustrated, patient in conversation, and silent when gossip arises. Trust others to make their own choices, and believe them when they share their feelings. Our role is to offer support and guidance, not to manipulate or control others.
- Scriptural Support
Do not let your love be a pretense, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Rom. 12:9,10 (JB)
Therefore, putting away falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members, one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph. 4:25-27,31,32 (RSV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil. 4:5 (NIV)
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 Cor. 13:4-7 (NRSV)