The Affliction of Paul

Bystephanie
Have you ever known anyone who was truly gentle? Someone who simply exuded calmness and radiated peace? How did it feel being around them? There is a serenity of spirit that comes with gentleness. I long to be more gentle so that I would be better equipped to draw others. Gentleness is an avenue of outreach that can demonstrate the ministry of Christ.

I have a problem…an affliction really. I call it the affliction of Paul. The Apostle Paul loved the Lord in a way that changed lives.  He served and taught and in it all, I do not recall him ever being call gentle.The center of the affliction is what my husband lovingly calls passion. I live passionately, I love passionately, I hurt passionately. Passion is a good thing.

Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal (passion/enthusiasm/commitment) but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

So why, if the Bible says passion is a good thing, do I call it an affliction? A passionate person can have a lot of trouble also being a gentle person. I love Christ, I want to serve Him, I want others to know Him. I want to be on fire for Him. Fire is not gentle. Fire is all consuming. That describes my passion. If it’s worth standing for, it is worth standing tall and strong – hmmmm, doesn’t sound very gentle does it?

Matthew 11:29-30
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul.

So, passionate, gentle and humble, huh? It looks like I have some growing to do. Every day, I can start fresh and purpose to be more like Him.

2 Peter 3:18
…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

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