It is not just our words, but our actions, which should be filled with gentleness.
The Apostle Paul says we’re free to do anything. Not all things are helpful, though. We have to teach that other people matter. And, we have to show it ourselves.
Sometimes, only when others see your testimony will they support you. Love and goodness are vital. Among many verses saying to be calm and considerate is this: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)
The Shunammite woman did this often with her husband. We’ve noted a few times that she’s never bitter. He has done almost everything but spiritual leadership right, from what we see. Even if he hadn’t, though, that softness is necessary because respect is important. People don’t earn the right to be spoken to decently. Even if they’re enemies, Jesus says we are to love them and pray for them. And, sometimes, being decent toward someone is the only way to witness, to show that you’re different than the world. It’s part of loving them, in whatever relationship you’re in.
A great preacher, H.A. Ironside, once told of a former Muslim who refused to eat the pork or ham sandwiches available at a church function. He knew it was okay – just as Paul said all things were okay for him. But, it would not be profitable. His father was an important businessman. When he went home to see his father, the first thing his father would ask him would be if he’d been lulled into eating meat from pigs. Only when he said truthfully that he hadn’t would he have a window to present the Gospel. Only then would his father not only accept his son’s new faith, but also consider receiving Christ as his own personal Savior.
We don’t know if this man ever led his father to trust Christ as Savior. However, we know that the Shunammite woman got to do many things because she respected her husband. And, her faith was the victory, as she grew closer to God.
