"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."

Since the Lord is close, we can cheer and treat others with tenderness. He is close because He lives in us through His Spirit. He is close because His coming is within reach. He is close because when we gather with other believers, serve those in need, or share the Gospel with friends and people of different cultures, He has promised to accompany us. Nothing is more contagious than a happy, kind person. Since Jesus lives in us, cares for us, and is coming for us, we can be both joyful and gentle!

What a huge overreaction! In our modern world of sound bites and over-hyped personalities, we are wired to look for and show this. But gentleness, that calming grace in the middle of chaos and conflict, is so important to bring the peace of God to churches, families, and relationships that are full of conflict. How can we be kind, and how can we keep ourselves from overreacting to hurts, slights, and offenses? The Lord is close by. He proves us right. He shows us what to do. He gives us peace. He's our best hope. He gives us power. He is close. We are not alone, and it is not up to us to make or defend our fate, reputation, or value.