Fragile: Handle with Care

1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 (RSV) ⁵For we never used either words of flattery, as you know, or a cloak for greed, as God is witness; ⁶nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. ⁷But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. ⁸So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Image how you felt when you first handled a newborn infant. Often you hear it said, “I’m afraid she’ll break.” Remember the first time you raised your voice to an infant. When you were changing them you might have shouted, in frustration, “Hold still!” Remember that puckering bottom lip and at pregnant pause as she gathered up her full voice; then that heart rending cry. You realize that she was hurt and it was you her hurt her. No, physically she was unbroken, but her little heart was frightened, but of what? Did she fear physical harm? Maybe, but I don’t think so. I think she feared you would abandon her to be alone and lonely forever. At that moment you promised yourself you be gentler. A promise you broke and thousand times.

Gentleness is required when one party, in a relationship, is stronger than the other. When one is weak, gentleness is most necessary. Here is the insight! Everyone is weak. Everyone! As you go through your day, observe those who meet with this assumption in mind: “this person is broken hearted.” Fact is, we are all broken hearted. The only difference between us is that some are better at hiding their sorrow than others are. We differ only in how well we craft of our mask.

For this reason, if for no other, gentleness is required.

In our rough-and-rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft, and virtually spineless. Not so! . . . Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity. . . . Instead of losing, the gentle gain. Instead of being ripped off and taken advantage of, they come out ahead!

Charles R. Swindoll (1934– )