Open Hearts

gen·tle (jen-tl) adj. gen·tler , gen·tlest -- (1) considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender. (2) not harsh or severe; mild and soft
rev·er·ence (rev-ehr-ens) n: A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love; veneration.

So, did you anticipate? Did you guess that today would be about Open Hearts? Sure you did.

I ran across this quote today from John Wesley, in his sermon Catholic Spirit (#39):

But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.

I also found this sermon today from Christ UMC in Bethel Park, PA. It concerns the 2004 General Conference (which is so 5 minutes ago, as G says), but I liked what it had to say concerning this scripture (1 Peter 3:15):

Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence.

I like that -- use gentleness and reverence.

How about this one? Ephesians 4:32: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

What does it mean to be gentle? Does it mean to not stand up for what you believe? No. Does it mean to just "play nice?" I don't think so. Could it be that to be gentle means to recognize that the person standing in front of you is a child of God, and has the right to expect a kindly spirit from you? I think oftentimes, we (I) get so caught up in what is happening around me that I ignore the person in favor of the issue, whatever that might be. I think gentleness means to approach someone who has "offended" you with love on your mind before anything else. That's easy to say, and very difficult to put into practice. Gentleness leaves room for differences of opinion, but not for rudeness or hatred (almost a direct quote from the sermon referenced above).

Reverence -- defined above as profound awe. We need to come before God with reverent heart. I like this quote from Brian Bauknight's sermon: Share your hope. Deeply believe with gentleness and with reverence. It means let everything that happens honor God. Honor God in all that you do and all that you say.

Let everything that happens honor God. When we close our hearts and step forward into petty and unimportant arguments, are we honoring God with all that we do and say? No, I don't think so.

Are our actions brought forth in gentleness, lacking in rudeness, but filled with respect? Do our actions honor God? When we can master gentleness and reverence, our hearts will be open to each other and to God.

Hmm. Does that sound like something else you've heard? What about this (Matthew 22:36-39):

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Images: Bee and unidentified bug on honeysuckle from BHMS parking lot; Squirrel was watching me eat lunch in the park yesterday.