Gentleness, Patience and Love: Perfect Bonds

I don’t know how trees that appear dead in winter can come vibrantly alive in spring. But I trust they can, because I see them do it year after year. Likewise, I don’t know how people that are weighed down by life’s challenges can come vibrantly alive when participating in a Bible class or small group. But I trust they can, because I see them do it year after year.

I teach Disciple classes at our church. Each fall, I meet a new group of people, most of whom don’t know anyone else in the room. And, year after year, I see them end up forming strong, life-affirming friendships with each other. That phenomenon would be hard to believe, except it happens so consistently.

Today’s Scripture passage encourages us to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, and unity. As I read that list of attributes, it reminds me of Disciple classes. Because Christian friendships, like those formed in Bible classes and small groups, are one of the ways God equips us to put on the attributes listed in today’s Scripture.

Frankly, I’ve had days when showing compassion or gentleness seemed nearly impossible. Perhaps because I was struggling with grief or disappointment, discouragement or stress. On such a day, I’d read that Scripture and wonder, “Are you kidding?” But I’ve also had days when the thought of extending kindness or forgiveness to others is energizing.

What’s the difference? Mostly, it depends on my spiritual health that day. If I’ve been reading my Bible and praying, I’ve been on the receiving end of God’s love. I have the capacity to show patience toward others, because I’ve felt God’s patience toward me.

That’s why today’s Scripture reminds me of those Disciple classes I mentioned earlier. Because when people meet together regularly in a group that is welcoming, non-judgmental, and mutually supportive, we receive kindness from the group, and that builds our capacity to extend kindness toward others.

I’ve seen a tired mother of toddlers perk up upon hearing compassionate words of encouragement from an older mom who has “been there and done that” and can assure her she will survive her exhaustion. I’ve seen a man who was grieving the loss of a loved one become enthusiastic when someone kindly engaged him in conversation about his favorite hobby. I’ve seen people welcome new believers who are eager to begin their spiritual journey, and seen people patiently support those who are struggling to forgive themself or someone else.

After seeing such interactions year after year, I’m convinced it is indeed possible for Christians to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, and unity. We begin by receiving those things from God (who often works through the actions of other people). Then we extend those things to people around us. And in doing so, we experience the joy of loving unity with God and others.