Like a gem set in a crown, this important character quality sparkles throughout the New Testament. It’s mentioned in letters addressed to a young pastor, it's part of an oft-quoted passage on the peace of God, and it's part of the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus himself exemplified it better than anyone. Yet this characteristic, so vital for every Christian, is highly under-rated in our snarky culture. When was the last time you heard a sermon expounding the importance of gentleness? According to the Bible, gentleness is not the same as being a wimp. A quick word study in a few Continue Reading
Six Ways to Help In a Crisis
You just heard someone in your small group lost a parent to cancer. A family down the street lost their house in a fire. Your friend’s son, who had been dealing drugs, has disappeared. Hard things happen on this sin-sick planet, and when they do, our response can make all the difference for the suffering ones. Here are some helpful suggestions for what to say and do when tragedy strikes: Be present. Expressing your concern via social networking is a good first step, but don’t leave it at that. Your physical presence, or even the sound of your voice on the phone, can bring a comfort Continue Reading
What You Can Learn from Mark Driscoll’s Situation
These days, you can read every reaction from vengeful glee to heartbreak concerning Mark Driscoll, the pastor of Seattle mega-church Mars Hill who is being asked to step down amidst a swirl of accusations. Find out more here: Nine Current Mars Hill Pastors Tell Mark Driscoll To Step Down from All Ministry I’ve visited Mars Hill a couple of times, read a number of Driscoll’s books, and listened to some podcasts. I believe Mark has accomplished much for the sake of the gospel, yet it’s tragic that his leadership has evidently created an abusive environment. My purpose here is neither to Continue Reading
There Could be Anything in the Envelope
I wasn’t going to do it at first. I thought it might be a really cheesy violation of some etiquette rule Emily Post or Ann Vandenberg has warned of. But then the poetic irony got my attention. I wrote a greeting on each card, slipped both into a single envelope, and mailed them. My sister-in-law was about to celebrate her birthday. Less than a month before, her father had passed. Into one envelope, I had tucked sentiments of joy over her life and sympathy for her loss. Tears and elation; weddings and funerals; sickbeds and parties. This is the human drama unfolding while creation Continue Reading