Q35. Humility, Gentleness, Patience

[JoanG]

When we humble ourselves and view everyone as equal, we realize that we can be more patient with those around us. We realize that we all have faults and we all make mistakes. And we are able to be more patient with each other.

The love of Christ is lost when we do not act as we should as Christ like followers. When we put ourselves above others, we are actually acting mere in a self- centered, worldly way. As disciples of Christ, we are to share the word with others in a very loving and caring way. We are not to act as judge and jury against anyone. We are to teach others about the right way to be by setting examples. We need to talk in very loving and guiding ways. We are not to belittle anyone.

[Karen11]

On 9/4/2006 at 8:47 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"?

Nothing ever get's accomplished without it, we do not serve well.

It shows that we don't have humbleness or understanding, it will turn people away from Jesus.

Holding fast to the Word, to do as it say's with a gentle spirit.

 

[Loved By God]

Patience and humility are critical in maintaining unity because they are the work of the Holy Spirit. Patience/longsuffering is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and humbly is a attribute of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient unto death. Therefore, Paul in Philippians 2 exhorts us to have the same mind as Christ. Humility causes us to die to self!  When we have the same mind and attitude as Christ, being humble and patient toward others, we will be able to keep/maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Holy Spirit who unites us in Christ Jesus…There is one body and one Spirit. It worth repeating…Unity in Christ is a work of the Holy Spirit and we are called to maintain the Holy Spirit’s work through humility and longsuffering toward each others in the body of Christ. Pride and impatience, antitheses to humility and patience, destroy the unity in Christ!

[haar]

Q35. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity?

Without the two character traits of patience and humility, there will be no unity.

What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us?

We will be crucifying Jesus when have the right doctrine and preach the doctrine but fail to exhibit his character.

How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"?

To be gentle and yet fight the good fight of faith is to learn to live with people with disagreeable character in love, humility, gentleness without compromising our faith.
 

[hanks]

Q35. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"? 
Patience is our ability to control our selves so that we don’t become quickly irritated and angry or even lose our temper when confronted by opposition or adversity. All which can, of course, destroy the unity of the church. It is self-restraint which helps use not to retaliate too hastily when wronged. We have to learn how to live with each other and show others the same patience God has with us. Humility like patience is also important in preserving unity. In the same way as Jesus came to serve, so must we commit ourselves to serving others, and forget our own selfish ambitions that cause conflict in the church. Remembering that God opposes the proud (Prov 3:34). If only we will remember that our entrance into God’s kingdom is not based on our merit, but strictly and simply on the grace of God. Once this has sunk in we realize that we have nothing to be proud of, but everything to be humble about. Pride is just the opposite, and pride promotes disunity, while humility promotes unity. The Bible says in John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less”. A forgiving and charitable spirit is characteristic of the Christian life, not one that is argumentative, provocative, or explosive. However, we have to careful about false humility; it is so easy to put on an outward show of humility but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance. Then again the Scriptures tell us that we are not to be so patient that we never rebuke, caution or encourage. The spirit that is patient is the spirit of love: love for God and love for people: bearing with one another in love. Our fight is against all evil in the world, and that found within ourselves. The gentleness spoken of here is power under control, which allows us to fight the good fight, and become angry with anyone who dishonours our Lord. This reminds me of Col 3:12-15 which offers a strategy of how to live for God day by day. We do this by imitating Jesus Christ, His kindness, humility, meekness, and patience; letting love guide our life; letting the peace of Christ rule in our heart, and always being thankful. Jesus Himself said “… I am gentle and humble in heart …” (Mat 11:29), and it is only through His strength that we are able to preserve the unity. On our own it is impossible. 
 

[Lisema Ralitsoele]

Q35. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) has fallen into disarray or disunity. They have split and become alone (lonely) because their foundation was on sand. On the contrary, the United States of America – USA- continues to stand because their unity is founded on the cornerstone that withstands any storm from hell. This is living testimony that long suffering/serenity coupled with meekness in love have played a crucial role in empowering the Americans to bear with each other and preserve their unity. What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? The reputation of our Lord and Savior falls into dismal disrepute. How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"? We do so by deliberately holding on to our fruit of the spirit known as gentleness while at the same time fiercely adhering to, and uncompromisingly professing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Bianca]

God loves a humble heart if we come across to people with a prideful spirit that can actually limit what God wants to do in a situation, person or in a church. We want people to be patient with us so we need to also practice patience with others. For those who do not understand Jesus, if we come across arrogant but knowing we are still right according to the word it can actually destroy what God is trying to do. The person can be thinking why should I listen to you tell me about Jesus and acting this way. You are suppose to be a representative of Jesus but rude like this. It doesn't make the reputation of Jesus look so good for those who do not understand him. We can be gentle by remembering what the fruit of the spirit is and living by that. Gentleness is important. We can stand strong in faith, be led by The Holy Spirit, speak up according to how The Holy Spirit leads us, but do it we gentleness. The Lord has been teaching me on how important it is to not be harsh with people and knowing when to speak up and say something in kindness and gentleness and knowing when not to say something and still be kind. I plan on growing and getting better and better in making sure I operate in kindness and gentleness while also operating in truth. Truth is something we need especially in this time we are living in.

[Lisema Ralitsoele]

Q35. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) has fallen into disarray or disunity. They have split and become alone (lonely) because their foundation was on sand. On the contrary, the United States of America – USA- continues to stand because their unity is founded on the cornerstone that withstands any storm from hell. This is living testimony that long suffering/serenity coupled with meekness in love have played a crucial role in empowering the Americans to bear with each other and preserve their unity. What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? The reputation of our Lord and Savior falls into dismal disrepute. How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"? We do so by deliberately holding on to our fruit of the spirit known as gentleness while at the same time fiercely adhering to, and uncompromisingly professing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Krissi]

How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"?

Sometimes Christians who are quiet, gentle and deferential are ignored or shoved to the side while the maelstrom goes on around them. Fighting the good fight means speaking loud enough to be heard, having a well-formed argument, and having theological justifications (as well as a socio-political basis) for what is argued. 

No Christian is required to wear a "kick me" sign -- that's masochism, not humility. No Christian is required to roll over whenever someone disagrees in the name of unity. There are times to stand our ground and times to walk away. Discernment is needed. In my wee opinion, Christians need to fight more and retreat less, even among themselves. We learn to argue in the world by practicing among other Christians who are big enough to argue vehemently, and then shake hands. 

It's not only personality quirks and irritating personalities that need bearing, but we have to bear with those who are causing real pain. Weighty needs and causes in the world demand our attention, that is, our fighting for the moral right. For example, to bear with a stridently homosexual group -- some of whom claim to be Christians from the "metropolitan denomination" --  over their desire to speak about sexual attraction to young children in public schools and libraries does not require that we be silent and weak, but forceful and confrontational. Prevenient prayer before the inevitable confrontation may keep the Christian from going over the line. But walking away meekly and patiently, lifting the problem to the Lord in prayer, is NOT the only Christian response possible. We must fight the evil in our midst, even if we inevitably make mistakes. Ours is a great commission, and part of witnessing to others means being seen by them, articulating our position well, and then doing what it takes to win (within moral boundaries). We are to be salt and light.  

Salt stings. Light blinds.

Having said this, I've watched abortion protestors display anything but the love of Christ, patience and humility. I understand the anger, but disagree with their mode of expressing it. They were not articulate or well-reasoned. Just angry. And though they were right/righteous in their anger, they were not effective. Nothing changed because of their fighting. Their protest was futile.

Pick fights that can be won. Strategically. 

Although Paul's commands are directed toward the church, many of the issues we have with the world have seeped into the church. For example, the US Methodists just split into two groups over the issue of homosexual ordination. In the 1980s, few Methodists were willing to fight that public battle, hoping prayer would be sufficient. They were meek and bore for decades in love. The result was defeat.

I'm certain that God will take the Christian remnant in that denomination -- poor Wesley! --  and merge them into new churches, but that's a long and painful process that may not have been necessary had they fought. At this point in history, I think we've gone too far to the side of being meek/gentle and not far enough toward fighting the fight of faith. In a way, it doesn't matter. The fight will come our way even if we'd rather hang out at church luncheons speaking sweetly to each other. We'll be forced to fight by a culture that's fast degrading, in part, because we didn't fight earlier when those battles had been easier to win.

[Janzie]

On 9/4/2006 at 8:47 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q35. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"?

Because you can't have unity without patience and humility.  People will see right through you.  We all have idiosyncracies, that we maybe don't know we have, but other people have to put up with us.  I like Dr. Wilson's saying - "We can split and be alone, or we can "bear with each other" and have unity."  Seek humility and gentleness.

The reputation of Jesus Christ then suffers and people loose interest and won't listen to our message. We are supposed to follow Christ and being arrogant and prideful turns people off.

Being kind, humble, patient and loving. Telling the truth in love.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

These virtues are necessary to the local church .  For an effective ministry, that love which suffered long, and is kind, keeps the Ecclesia closely knit.  Our very deportment and manners show our true Christian consideration.  We can take the high road,and avoid this anger or irritability that leads to resentment. A cheerful resignation to God's providence is opposed to murmuring and fretfulness.  We need to put on humbleness of mind; we need to put off pride, arrogance and conceit.

[Jonathan Edwards]

These virtues are necessary to the local church .  For an effective ministry, that love which suffered long, and is kind, keeps the Ecclesia closely knit.  Our very deportment and manners show our true Christian consideration.  We can take the high road,and avoid this anger or irritability that leads to resentment. A cheerful resignation to God's providence is opposed to murmuring and fretfulness.  We need to put on humbleness of mind; we need to put off all that which is not Christ like.

This arrogant spirit is not conducive.  I have witnessed such behaviour during public evangelical outdoor work.  Sad to say,  inadvertently the arrogance is counter productive.    Fuels arguments and more arguments.    Sadly there are no open Bibles.  Opened Bibles would solve the problems.  The Bible truth has to be brought forth in an expository but friendly manner.   Studying the early Christian church at Alexandria, Egypt, one can see how many unbelievers became Christians.  The early Church proclaimed the Gospel with love, thoughtfulness and tact to the those who worshipped idols.

 

[Old Jerry]

If we are patience and humble then we can put up with other personally traits. My traits probably aren’t better than theirs. Jesus’ reputation is smeared when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance toward those who disagree with us. We can be both “gentle” and to “fight the good fight of faith if we just mention to them and then drop it.