the benefits of kindness, calmness, and quietness

Gathering Flowers  Hendrik Heyligers

"...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5

"...count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh  patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for the: for my strenght is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong" 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Sometimes doing the right thing is not easy. Reacting to tribulation, which is stress, illness, inconvenience, or difficult trials, we have the opportunity to demonstrate to God our faith in His plan. We don't have to buy into worldly ideas such as the victim mentality or rudeness  masquerading as assertiveness. We can choose to react patiently, meekly, quietly, joyfully. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

We can have order without contention. We can leave anger out of the picture and learn to resolve conflicts quietly. We can accept difficulties with the knowledge that God is working a might work in our lives. We can feel gratitude for our blessings.We can learn to love hard work. We can refuse to worry and fear, accepting that God is in charge. We can spend time daily studying His word and praying to gain personal revelation and peace.

" he meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way." Psalm 25:9 

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11 

"For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation" Psalm 149:4 

" The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 29:19 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceablelife in all godliness and honesty" 1 Timothy 2:1-2

In the loud world of rude people, it is hard to see the benefits of kindness, calmness, and quietness. Yet Jesus and his servants have told us we will be blessed mightily our efforts. It really is worth the work, and it is hard work.