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    George Washington and General Lafayette were walking together one morning when they were greeted on their path by a slave. The old man paused, tipped his hat, and said, ‘Good mo’nin, Gen’l Washin’ton.’ Immediately George Washington removed his hat, bowed, and answered, ‘Good morning to you, and I hope you have a pleasant day.’

“...be gentle unto all men.”

    General Lafayette was shocked, but when he recovered his composure he exclaimed, ‘Why did you bow to a slave?’ Washington smiled and replied, ‘I would not allow him to be a better gentleman than I.’

    In our days, people are hesitant to be tagged with the label of “gentle.” But gentleness is a character trait that results from the indwelling Spirit of God in our lives! The apostle Paul realized the importance of gentleness in his ministry when he instructed his understudy Timothy “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men” (2 Timothy 2:24).

    Today, consider this approach in thinking of yourself as gentle:

G — Gracious and good

E — Engaging, willing to listen

N — Nice to others, regardless of who they are

T — Taking the time to move at another’s pace

L — Loving

E — Endearing by acts of kindness and goodwill