Gentle as a Hammer

As a freshman at Oregon State University, I remember hanging out at my Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) leader’s house one night. His young son came out to show off his homemade superhero outfit. I immediately burst out in jubilant laughter. I thought it was awesome! But my exuberant response was not seasoned with contextual maturity. The small boy immediately burst into embarrassed tears and ran back down the hallway. Over 30 years later, I still remember the hurt I caused. 

A few years later, I joined my fiancée (Mrs. K.) for babysitting duties. When playing with the family’s small children, I took my “villain” role too far and unwisely scared the kids in our care. I still remember how devastated I was that my actions had caused fear in the children’s eyes. I was also embarrassed by the disappointment in my fiancée’s eyes, whom I hoped to soon marry. 

As we wrap up our month focusing on the fruit of “gentleness,” I consider how I needed this trait of Jesus much earlier in my life. Choosing to use the least amount of force for the situation at hand reveals the love of Jesus. This week, our sophomore students shared these truths in each of our elementary classrooms. Gentleness consistently demonstrates love and grace to the benefit of others. It places confidence in the presence of God and His character to treat all of God’s creation as He has displayed in so many ways. 

While I no longer have preteens in the house, I hope to host grandchildren someday. :) If a babysitter is needed, I hope to prayerfully trust them to the watchful and gentle eye of one of our well-trained high school students.