Being Gentile is Hard

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
--Philippians 4:5 NASB

This verse may seem easy enough, but it can be a real toughie in execution. Let's break it down a bit by looking a three key words.

The first word is the Greek epieikés ("ep-ee-I-KACE"), which means seemly, equitable, or yielding. In other words, open to give and take. Of course, no one can truly know this about anything except by their experience with it, or by its reputation. In other words, you have tried it yourself and know it to be yielding, or you have heard from sources so reliable that you accept it as true.

The second word is the Greek ginóskó ("ghin-OCE-ko"), which means to come to know, recognize, or perceive. Basically, to be exposed to something so much that you can recognize it instantly. And rather than seeing something once or twice, recognition usually requires a lot of repetition.

The third word is the Greek eggus ("eng-GOOS"), which means to be near. This same nearness can not only apply with respect to physical proximity, but also with respect to time, as in an upcoming appointment on the calendar.

Having looked at these three words, let's use them together with the rest. Here is an amplified translation of the same verse.

"Let all mankind come to recognize on sight the gentle, seemly, equitable, or yielding aspect of you. The Lord is nearby and is coming soon."

Are you able to be tried? Can others perceive your yielding aspect just by trying your--by pushing and pulling you?

Are you faithful to presenting your yielding spirit to all? Are you prepared for the repetitive trying of you by others so they can come to recognize on sight your gentleness?

Does the nearness of the Lord give you the strength to continue? Does His soon coming add a sense of urgency to your effort?

Father, forgive me when my rough and ridged exterior prevents others from seeing You. Give me the willingness to give and yield to others--to turn the other cheek--so that You may be glorified. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

-

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