Which Disciple Are You?

Let your gentleness be evident to all. Phil 4:5

If you ask people to describe Chatty Kelly they might say fun, funny, loud, or bold...but I can't imagine anyone would say gentle.

This used to bother me. How can I call myself a Christian if I'm not gentle? Even the fruit of the spirit includes gentleness. Digging deeper into the scriptures, I find different translations of the same verses. The fruit of the spirit refers to humility, and the Philippians verse refers to your spirit in dealing with others.

But the best example I found is to look at the disciple Peter. Peter, the loud, outspoken, good intentioned though often wrong directed disciple. I am like Peter.

Peter, who jumped in front of Jesus and cut off the soldier's ear in the garden. How often to I run ahead of Jesus, and mess up his plans?

Peter, who after Jesus told him to feed his sheep asked referring to John, "What about him?" How often do I compare myself with others?

Peter, who loved the Lord with all his heart, yet sank in the water because of his lack of faith. How often does my lack of faith cause me to sink, even though I love Jesus?

I'm not gentle, but neither was Peter. And Jesus said to him, "On this rock I will build my church."

Look at the Bible today, and find the disciple that is like you. Then realize that Jesus loved them in spite of their human flaws, in spite of their mistakes, in spite of their sin. Then realize he feels the same way about you. Which disciple are you?