Gentle Response

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law"- Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV).

I have a young cat who displays a fruit of the Spirit. This discovery began with a caught mouse. Tiger Lily, who looks more like the Wookie in Star Wars, was so careful not to kill or injure that mouse. The image of her carrying the mouse gently with her front teeth, like a mother cat carrying her kitten, head tipped back, and tail straight up in the air, from room to room, is vivid in my mind. She is a character, but she's also smart. An injured or dead mouse is no fun to play with. Tiger Lily's little mouse was stressed out, but finally got away from her and escaped, unharmed, under the dishwasher. (That means I still have a mouse in the house.) As Christians, we must be gentle with those whom God brings onto our path or we may injure them...or kill them off completely to the Gospel message. As Tiger Lily learned, you can do so much more, and you gain more time, with a gentle response, as you present the love of Jesus through your actions and words.The Apostle Peter instructed, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Even Tiger Lily's gentleness might pay off. I wouldn't be surprised to see that same cat and mouse game going on again real soon.