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Be Kind and Gentle to Gain Respect

A Beautiful Life

Jan 4, 2020

Since I have been a Chaplain, I have continually experienced great joys each week. I often tell people that I’m the richest man in Minnesota because I get to share in so many lives.  Oh how I love to hear your stories and help you through your present life experiences.

Recently I was asked to share a few words at the memorial service for one of our residents. The way she lived her life will always inspire me to live as she did. When I asked residents and staff to share with me how best to describe her, the answer was unanimous: “She was kind and gentle.”

There is no higher calling than to be remembered for your gentleness and kindness. I hope that at the end of my life that’s all people say about me, that I was kind and gentle. We may think that career choices are important. Yes they may be important, but without kindness and gentleness those aspirations are hollow.  If we value education and achievements above the love we share with each other we often do more harm than good because we tend to elevate our egos much too high.

Being kind and gentle is a love that puts others first. It is caring, encouraging and thinks of others first. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to some of the early Christians in a congregation in Philippi, Greece. In this part of the letter look for the word gentleness and other words of beauty to live by:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such thingsWhatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Just for fun, try substituting a negative characteristic with any of the highlighted words above. (Example: “Let your grumpiness be evident to all.”  Now ask yourself: Would you like to be known you’re your grumpiness or gentleness? (I hope you got a good laugh) The answer is clear. Kindness and gentleness are hallmarks of a beautiful life.

I am so inspired to live this way because so many of you continually live a caring life of gentle loving kindness.  I see it all around in many thoughtful ways. Thank you. Truly, gentle kindness is a beautiful way to live.

Written by Chaplain Lane Skoglund