MILDNESS

Exhibit Mildness

Mildness is gentleness in temperament and behavior. 

Jesus was mild-tempered while on earth, perfectly reflecting Jehovah's personality.

 "Come to me...I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly at heart..." -Matthew 11:28-30 (compare John 5:19)
As Christians we are expected to "exhibit mildness toward all men" -Titus 3:2.
Counsel given in a spirit of mildness usually is very well received. (Galatians 6:1)
All can contribute to Christian unity and peace by displaying "lowliness of mind and mildness". -Ephesians 4:1-3
  
When the weather is mild, it is agreeable, enjoyable. When a person is mild, or mild-mannered, it is a pleasure to be with him.   The original Greek term describes, not outward gentleness or meekness, but inward mildness and graciousness; not the manner of one's behavior, but the condition of one's mind and heart. The adornment of Christian women is a "quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God." -1 Peter 3:4. Men do well to have this same spirit in imitation of Christ Jesus. Yes, mildness is a godly trait that Jehovah values highly.

Mildness Linked to Humility

"Pride is before a crash, and haughty spirit before stumbling. Better is it to be lowly in spirit with the meek ones than to divide spoil with the self-exalted ones." -Proverbs 16:18, 19

 Mildness is closely linked to humility, being "lowly in heart".  Jesus demonstrated humility throughout his earthly ministry. When he was hailed as King of the Jews, six days before his death Zachariah's prophecy was fulfilled: "Look! Your King is coming to you, mild-tempered, and mounted upon an ass, yes, upon a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden." -Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:5)
Also, the prophet Daniel saw a vision of Jehovah delegating ruling authority to his Son.  Jesus is described as "the lowliest one of mankind." -Daniel 4:17; 7:13, 14.  Mildness and humility go hand in hand. Mildness does not imply weakness.  Jesus showed a firm resolve not to compromise, even when under assault from Satan the Devil.  He refused to tolerate the illicit commercial  practices of the religious leaders of his day. (Matthew 4:1-11; 21:12, 13; John 2:13-17) However, Jesus maintained mildness of temper when dealing with the shortcomings of his disciples, and he patiently bore their weaknesses. (Matthew 20:20-28) Behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel. May we display this Christlike quality - mildness. Mildness is a remarkable quality that combines pleasantness with power.  It is just as King Solomon wrote:

 "a mild tongue itself can break a bone." -Proverbs 25:15.

Pursue Mildness

People have different temperaments. Some of God's servants find it easier to manifest mildness than others. All Christians need to cultivate the fruitage of God's spirit, including mildness. 

(Galatians 5:22, 23) We need to lean on Jehovah in prayer, asking for his holy spirit and then cooperate with his spirit to cultivate this quality.  Paul's words to the young man Timothy were: 

"Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper."

  -1 Timothy 6:11.  

 The word "pursue" implies that effort is needed. If you make the effort to meditate on the fine examples of mildness from God's Word, mildness can become a part of you, just like an implant. God's word will mold and guide you.  "Hence put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls".-James 1:21.  The way we conduct ourselves toward others demonstrates how well we are doing in this regard.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom." -James 3:13 

We can exhibit mildness if we consistently walk by spirit and exercise self-control.

 Things we saw on a mild day in Encinitas our favorite Beach Town:

Breakfast at Java Hut

Lots of old cars!

Bike riders everywhere! 

Cool Shoes clip on pedal!

These guys were from Riverside.

We observed friendly, dog loving, health conscious people in Encinitas!

I should have took more pictures of people with their dogs

There were sooooo many! 

I was amazed at how obedient this puppy was,

Then the owners told me, this is a miniature Aussie

7 years old.

Skateboarders!

Dennis droooling

Lunch at Swamis Cafe!

Thick Acia smoothie, on top of homemade granola,

Topped with banana, strawberries, blueberries, boisenberries,

coconut, and bee pollen!

MMMMMmmmmm Better than Dairy Queen!

If that is possible.

FAITH

 "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld." -Hebrews 11:1

Faith Firmly Based on Reason.

If your worship is to be "acceptable to God," it must be "a sacred service with your power of reason.".  In other words, you must worship God "in a way that is worthy of thinking beings."
-Romans 12:1 (The Jerusalem Bible) So faith described in the Bible is not something blind and irrational. And it is not credulity. It is something you have thought through carefully -resulting in trust in God and his Word, which is firmly based on reason.

It is not a sign of disrespect to examine what you believe so as to "prove to yourself' that your thinking  is in harmony with God's Word. (Romans 12:2) The Bible encourages us to "test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God."- 1 John 4:1. When we take time to test out what we believe with what the Bible says we make our faith stronger, we are reminding ourselves what God word says. Then we are able to  "make  defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you." - 1 Peter 3:15

Yes, our mental faculties must play a key role in our worship. Jesus wanted his disciples to meditate on his teaching, often he would ask them: "What do you think?"  (Matthew 17:25; 18:12; 21:28; 22:42)  Early Christian evangelizers helped others build faith. They "reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving by references" the things taught. (Acts 17: 1-3) A number of people in Beroea "received the word (of God) with greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." -Acts 17:11.The Beroeans were eager to listen to God's word, however  they did not blindly assume that what they heard was correct, but they referred back to the Scriptures.  The Christian missionary Luke, commended the Beroeans for this, calling them "noble-minded".

Firm Foundation For Faith.

 The man of God must "keep holding the pattern of healthful words... with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus." -2 Tim 1:13.  For faith to be real and alive, it must be founded on a deep love for the Bible  and the God of the Bible, Jehovah, and for his Son , Jesus Christ. 

It is the Scriptures, which include the sayings of Jesus Christ, that build a firm foundation for faith. True faith will endure test and bitter trial, persecutions, and the materialistic advances and philosophies of a godless society.   
"This is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith." -1 John 5:4

In order to gain and hold on to faith, we need to appreciate the inspired Scriptures as God's incomparable gift to mankind, full of spiritual treasures whose depth of wisdom is unfathomable and whose power for enlightening and  stimulating to righteousness exceeds that of all other books ever written. As we dig to gain knowledge of God's Word, we will agree with the apostle Paul:
"O the depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!"- Romans 11:33

Sunset at San Elijo Beach

GOODNESS

BE A LOVER OF GOODNESS

Goodness is virtue, moral excellence, or the quality of state of being good. God is good in the absolute sense. "Good and upright is Jehovah..."-Psalm 25:8. Jesus is virtuous and has the quality of moral excellence. Yet, he would not accept "Good" as a title when he was called "Good Teacher". (Mark 10:17, 18) This was evidently because he recognized God as the pinnacle of goodness.

Our ability to do good is hindered because of inherited sin. (Romans 5:12) But all is not lost! We can display this quality if we pray as the Psalmist did: "Teach me goodness,...For in your commandments I have exercised faith...You are good and are doing good. Teach me your regulations." -Ps.119:66, 68.  If we are led by God's holy spirit, we will become known for goodness, and Jehovah will 'remember us for the good we do.' (Nehemiah 5:19)

 Imitate Jehovah by Cultivating Goodness. 

A Christian cultivating goodness will both be good and do good. (Compare: Deuteronomy 12:28)
He will also avoid things that are opposed to goodness, "the unfruitful works that belong to darkness" The works of the flesh found at Galatians 5:19-21.
What are some ways a Christian can manifest goodness?

Keep Doing Good.

"Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities",  Paul said: "Do you, then, want to have no fear of the authority? Keep doing good, and you will have praise from it." -Romans 13:1-3 The "good" he refers to is obedience to the laws and arrangements of secular authorities. Why should a Christian be subject to these? So as to avoid unnecessary conflict with the authorities, thus risking punishment and -more important - in order to preserve a clean conscience before God. (Ro 13:5,7)
While preserving his primary obedience to Jehovah, a Christian will 'honor the king,' not rebelling against authorities that Jehovah God allows to exist. (1 Peter 2:13-17) In this way, Christians are good neighbors, good citizens, and good examples.

Considerate of Others.

Jehovah's goodness is displayed in his providing for all earth's inhabitants. This results in a 'fullness of food and good cheer' and shows him to be a truly considerate God. (Acts 14:17) We can imitate him in this respect by showing consideration for others in small and large ways. How?
 "Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man, and you must be in fear of your God. I am Jehovah." -Leviticus 19:32.  Younger ones may wish to volunteer to help them with shopping or with other chores. We can considerately check to see if any older ones need help to attend meetings. At assemblies, young, vigorous individuals will avoid jostling slower-moving older ones in an impatient attempt to pass, and they will be patient if an elderly one is a little slow getting seated or getting food.
Also, "Happy is anyone acting with consideration toward the lowly one."- Psalms 41:1. We must be considerate of the poor, just as we are to wealthy or prominent. Equal consideration to these is a test of our righteousness and Christian love. (James 2:2-4. 8,  9)

Continue Becoming Merciful

One way to be merciful is to be ready to help our fellow, even if it involves risk or inconvenience. A good person will not ignore the suffering of his brother if he is in a  position to do something about it. (James 2:15, 16). Please read Jesus' parable about the Good Samaritan recorded at Luke 10:29-37.
Merciful  goodness  includes a readiness to forgive others.  Jesus taught us this Bible principle in another parable at: Matthew 18:23-35. A merciful Christian will not carry a grudge. He will not harbor resentment. (Matt. 18:21, 22)

Generous and Hospitable

Jehovah urged the Israelites to be generous. "You should by all means give to your [poverty-stricken neighbor], and your heart should not be stingy in your giving to him, because on this account Jehovah your God will bless you in every deed of yours and in every undertaking of yours." -Deuteronomy 15:10. Jesus Christ taught generosity saying: "Practice giving..." Luke 6:38.
Jesus was very generous with his time and energy. Even when tired and hungry Jesus generously forgot about resting and even showed hospitality by providing food for a large crowd.
(Mark 6:30-44)

Telling the Truth

Paul linked goodness with righteousness and truth. It would be correct to say that truthfulness is another sort of goodness. "...Go on walking as children of light, for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth." -Ephesians 5:8, 9.
Good people do not tell lies. Lying is repugnant to Jehovah. Among the 'seven things' that he hates are "a false tongue" and  "a false witness that launches forth lies." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
 "...All the liars" are listed among the cowards, the murderers , and the fornicators, who will have no place in God's new world. (Rev 21:8)  May we always tell the truth, even if it leads to our being disciplined or losing out financially. (Ephesians 4:25)
Those who tell the truth imitate Jehovah, "...the God of truth" -Psalms 31:5.

Cultivate Goodness

Goodness is powerful. It can even conquer evil. (Romans 12:21)
If learn Jehovah' commandments and obey them, we will cultivate goodness. May we through prayer ask  Jehovah for goodness to be manifest in our lives. In harmony with our prayer may we associate with like minded- people, intent on imitating our heavenly Father as obedient children. And may we listen to God's words, by reading and meditating on the Bible, daily.

Yes, we can learn  goodness, by exercising faith in all God's regulations.

 More visitors from Italy!

 Getting to know one another.

 Kids cooling off.

 Family and Friends

Showing hospitality to one another.

KINDNESS

Clothe Yourselves With  Kindness

Kindness is displayed by taking an active interest in the welfare of others. It is shown by helpful acts and considerate words.  To be kind means to do good and not do anything harmful.  A kind person is friendly, gentle, sympathetic, and gracious. He has a generous, considerate attitude toward others.  "...as God's chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with ....kindness..." -Colossians 3:12 As Christians we need to put on this Godly quality.

True Kindness is Not a Weakness. 

 Some people may view kindness as being weak. They feel that a person must be tough, hard , and even rude at times, so others can see their strength.  The reality is: it takes real strength to be truly kind.  Since true kindness is a fruit of God's spirit, it cannot be weak.  (Gal. 5:22, 23)  True kindness never displays mistaken kindness, that is, it can never have a compromising attitude toward wrong conduct.  Mistaken kindness, is a weakness that causes one to condone wrongdoing. True kindness is not blind to evil words and deeds that violate God's standards.

Our example-Jesus Christ was never guilty of displaying mistaken kindness.  He displayed true kindness, "he felt tender affection for the people because they were skinned and knocked about like sheep without a shepherd."  Honest-hearted people felt free to approach Jesus even bringing their little children to him. Think of the kindness and compassion he displayed as "he took the children into his arms and began blessing them"  (Matthew 9:36; Mark 10:13-16)

Though Jesus was kind, he was also firm for what is right in the sight of his heavenly Father. Jesus never condoned evil; he had the God-given strength  to denounce the hypocritical religious leaders as noted at Matthew 23:13-29 --where he repeated  the pronouncement: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!"

Godly Kindness is Unselfish.

 It asks for nothing and expects nothing in return.
Jehovah  kindly, "makes his sun rise upon the wicked and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous" (Matthew 5:43-45; Acts 14:16, 17) In imitation of our heavenly Father, we not only refrain from harming the unthankful, but we do good to them, even to those who have acted as our enemies. By displaying kindness, we show Jehovah and Jesus that we desire to live under God's Kingdom, when kindness and other godly qualities will permeate all human relationships.

Jehovah and the designated King of His Kingdom, Jesus Christ, require that their subjects  be known for their kindness. "He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God."-Micah 6:8.  The false religious leaders, burdened the people with heavy loads. In contrast, Jesus invited honest-hearted one, "Come to me, all you who are toiling...For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." -Matt 11:28-30.
All too many earthly rulers, religious or otherwise, exhaust the people with wearisome burdens of endless rules and thankless tasks. Yet, what Jesus requires of his followers fits their needs and abilities. A refreshing Kindly yoke! Are you moved to be like him in showing kindness to others?
(John 13:15)

Kindness is related to "goodness" in that it is often displayed in helpful deeds for the benefit of others.

 

Our friends

 

 Kindly invited us to share their air conditioning

 And a meal, that turned out to be a feast!