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“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
As Defined by Cathy, Age 16
I like this word; gentleness. Have you ever tried yelling or shouting it out loud? It just doesn’t seem right. If gentleness had a voice, I bet it would seek to be spoken softly, whispered quietly – a soothing sound to the ears. When I was a child my parents used forms of the word. They would say, “Remember to be gentle with your baby sister.” Or, “Be gentle when you hold the puppy. ” Soft, calm, soothing, tender. Gentle.
As I’ve gotten older I realize gentleness is more about my character than how I touch or hold something. More specifically, I’ve grown to understand the importance of being gentle with my words. I found a bible verse that says just that: “(Remind the believers)…to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.” Titus 3:2 (NCV)
How I talk to and treat others says a lot about who I am.
Most people say I’m a nice girl, mild mannered, and a little shy. I like to think of myself as good, calm, and comfortably quiet; a gentle spirit in Christ.
Conversation Starters
- Discuss the importance of gentleness when holding babies or small animals.
- List words or thoughts that are the opposite of gentleness.
- Re-read Titus 3:2 from above. Explain what it means using your own words. What did you learn?
An Adult Perspective
As I’ve gotten older, and even more so after becoming a parent, I find myself repeating phrases I heard as a child. It sometimes catches me by surprise and most often brings a smile to my face. An amazing flashback occurred one Sunday in church. Before starting his sermon, the pastor began in prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (KJV) That was the prayer my Grandmother used to say before dinner! I looked down at my bulletin and there it was. The prayer was actually a bible verse!
My Grandmother had been quoting scripture to me all those years! I just didn’t know it.
Psalm 19:14 embraces the spirit of gentleness and speaks volumes about how God wants me to live my life. He isn’t satisfied with my words alone, God expects the meditation of my heart to be acceptable in His sight. God’s wisdom is infinite! He knows that if my heart is pure and filled with genuine love for others, my words will reflect an inward, gentle spirit. Matthew 12:34 is consistent with this message: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (NIV)
When I find myself frustrated or becoming discouraged, I often pause to say my Grandmother’s prayer. The words are comforting, calming, and soothing to my mind. God’s Word has become a welcome reprieve from my hectic life. And that’s just what I need sometimes; a simple prayer to draw me near the gentleness of Christ!
Memorize Psalm 19:14 and allow it’s meaning resonate in your soul.
