Sweet Reasonableness
So last week in the midst of marches and protests and social media vitriol, I heard the Lord speak to me clearly.
I didn’t hear Him as I watched FOX News or CNN.
Nor did He say a word as I scrolled through the barrage of news media tweets on my phone.
He was completely silent as I trolled Facebook and lamented over the clash of opinions.
No, the Lord spoke not a peep as I rehashed the latest.
When I finally decided that I was done with all the noise, I made space for His voice to whisper in the quiet.
I was driving to work on the turnpike lost in thought with the radio set to K-LOVE when my senses were awakened by the clear call of the Holy Spirit.
I honestly have no idea who was broadcasting on the radio, but the prophet proclaimed two words that quietly planted themselves in my heart:
Sweet Reasonableness
Yes, Lord. Yes.
This is the call.
I’m saying goodbye to controversy and contention.
I will walk humbly forward with hands extended. My words will be laced with grace that rises up from a poised soul.
Rather than opine and offend to win, I will open up and offer all to invite others in to His redemption.
I will be sweetly reasonable. Want to join me?
5 Ways to Live with Sweet Reasonableness
- Stand on your firm foundation: Speak the truth in love, but never shout. Respectfully communicate your firm resolve with strength under control. (Philippians 4:1)
- Seek common ground: Look for areas where mutual understanding is possible. Listen with compassion. (vs. 2-3)
- Sparkle with His joy: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Let it rise up within you and bubble over into every corner of contention. Rejoicing, not rancor must be your resolve. (v. 4)
- Storm heaven’s gates: If you are going to strive anywhere, let it be in your prayer closet. Offer up the unhappy state of affairs to your Sovereign King. He alone transforms hearts and re-writes history. (vs. 6-7)
- Stimulate hopeful thoughts: Don’t get dragged into discord. Defend your heart and mind by rehearsing the never-changing promises of God. (vs.8-9)
Let’s purpose to soften our approach and just maybe our sweet reasonableness will stimulate a change in our world.
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Many years ago, I heard Warren Wiersbe speak and he talked about ‘sweet reasonableness’ from a passage in Philippians and I’ve never forgotten it. What a truth we need to flesh out each and everyday as we pray for our country and those who don’t follow Christ! Thanks for today’s post.
Striving in our prayer closet – that’s the place to do it! And keeping our minds on heavenly things – a big yes! Amen!
AMEN! I’m with you!
Oh, my this is the 4th time in 12 hours that quietness or listening was a theme in something I read… I get it, God! Thanks for sharing this great message in such a difficult time! Enjoy your bloggy break. I pray it will refresh your soul! Blessings!
I am suffering from fatigue from all related to elections and protests. I find myself thinking about everything that has happened and I just have to stop or I start getting upset or anxious. For me the biggest thing is staying away from Twitter and facebook and /or ignoring political posts. I find myself thinking that God will not leave us alone as we move forward and there is so much comfort in that.
The “sweet reasonables” I have never heard of that term but I am going to read more about it. Thank you for sharing your message.
If ever there was a time in history when we needed words that promote sweetness and sparkle — it’s NOW! Thank you for putting words around this need for us all.
It’s so sad all the division these days. 🙁 I rarely scroll facebook, so I’ve missed most of the icky stuff, I think. These “sweet reasonableness” tips are good ones, thank you, Lyli. (and…we got a bonus tip. 😀 — five for the price of four. 🙂 ) Hope you have a great day. ((hug)) xoxo
Whoops! I can’t count. Let me edit that. LOL. ThanKs
Lyli, I am so grateful for your words. I have tried to keep myself out of any discussion that would cause division or heated conversations. I am so with you – I want my words and disposition to be sweet reasonableness.
And may I say, I always see your words as such! Grateful for your presence online!
Love,
Joanne
Sweet post, Lyli. It’s one that is certainly laced with grace. Amen.
It breaks my heart to see all the division in the world right now. May we fight on our knees as we seek the Lord in prayer and listen for His voice. He will direct our paths as we show the lovingkindness that He shows us. Enjoy your blogging break Lyli. Have a fantastic weekend and may God bless you and yours.
Yes! So true! Reminds me of the verse that says that true wisdom is peaceable. Such a good benchmark for who we listen to (and how we talk!) Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I remember hearing a preacher years ago say that was the meaning behind Philippians 4:5: “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” in the KJV, “reasonableness” or “gentleness ” in other translations.And I have thought often since then that that’s the lacking element in so much of Christianity. It’s been especially lacking this political cycle. Thanks for your advice in how to implement it. Enjoy your break – thanks for letting us know ahead of time.
Great post, Lyli! Every point is right on. It is so heartbreaking to see people so angry and fearful. I’ll be pinning and sharing this one. Thanks for hosting.
With you on this, that’s for sure. Reading facebook must be part of what Paul meant in sharing in the fellowship of His suffering. Love your sweet reasonableness. Our town is under seige -will pray now. sue
Oh Lyli, what a wonderful post! This week, I got sucked into Facebook land…and I got angry…and then I posted something that wasn’t intended to be “political” but it had that undertone. Then someone got political on it. Then someone else did. And it started to get ugly. I was convicted that I’d reacted and allowed my emotions to gain control. I try to post only positive things, and this one clearly wasn’t. And I’m disheartened by the division. So disheartened and saddened by it all. Reading your post was like taking a much needed cleansing breath in the middle of a run when I can’t catch my breath. I want to stop, bend over and breathe deeply, but I don’t want to break my stride. And then it just happens–my breath catches,and I can go on. “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” (Gal 5:7). Your posts always seem to spark my creative mind! And this one really hit home. THANK YOU! I’m with you. Enjoy your break.
Yes – the noise is quite loud these days and sweet reasonableness is so necessary. I hope it’s contagious, friend!
Lyli – great post and good challenge for sure, especially with all the not great stuff happening all around. I love how God speaks when we least expect it, or are even looking for it. Enjoy your blogging break next week.
Amen, sweet friend. Practical and inspiring as always. A welcome breath of His word into my week! Blessings on your weekend – see you next month!
Love this! Sparkling with joy! Amen! Amen!
Happy Thursday!
Megs