Now that the ground in our garden is prepared, it’s ready to receive seeds. We will be planting a variety of seeds and our garden with have a bountiful harvest.
I have a number of packets of seeds that I have found in Scripture and there may be others that you think of that I have overlooked. Remember it’s your garden and you choose what you would like to harvest. Here’s a few of the seeds that I would like you to consider; gentleness, peace, joy, love, self-control, faith, grace, humility, and discipline. Sounds like a pretty good variety to me.
This morning let’s start with gentleness or kindness.
Gentle, kind people are like Jesus – listening, reaching out, touching, being moved with compassion. They are willing to lay down their interest and well-being for that of those around them. Truly gentle people are willing to let you have the last piece of pie and not remind you of it later. They are content to sit and listen as a child or elderly person go on and on about their day without thinking of what else needs to be done. Truly kind people, like the boy scouts, help little old ladies across the street and rescue kittens out of trees.
O Lord, how I need this packet of seeds to be planted in my garden and to tend it carefully so it grows and matures. There are times I am truly kind and lay aside my own agenda, without forethought, for others but I have to honestly confess that many times, it is an act of will – knowing this is the right thing and not a natural reaction of God’s character flowing through me.
“A kind and gentle woman gains respect, but violent men gain only wealth. 17 People who are kind will be rewarded for their kindness, but cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.” Proverbs 11:16-17 ERV
“As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3 Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 CEV
“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 ERV
“A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow.” Proverbs 15:1 ERV
“Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem.” Proverbs 25:15 CEV
“Don’t quit your job simply because the boss is angry with you. If you remain calm and helpful, you can correct even great mistakes.” Ecclesiastes 10:4 ERV
“Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:29 ERV
Now make sure that all those seeds are planted well in the soil of your heart. Water them, make sure they get plenty of “Son shine” and you’ll be bringing in a harvest in no time.
Be a gentle giant today – I’m praying for you!!