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Mildness, a Christian RequirementThe Watchtower—1967 | May 15
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Mildness, a Christian Requirement
1-3. Why is mildness for the Christian?
WHEN you listen to a weather forecast in the summertime, are you happy to hear that it will be well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, with high humidity accompanying the intense heat? Or in wintertime, does it make you glad to have the forecaster say it will be well below freezing, with icy winds of high velocity piling up huge snowdrifts? No, the average person does not relish such forecasts, because to go about one’s daily activity in such extremes of weather is not pleasant.
2 However, what if the forecast stated the weather would be mild, that the temperature would be in the middle seventies and the humidity low, with sunny skies broken only by fleecy clouds? Why, that makes the average person feel good! He wants to get out in that nice weather, breathe in the fresh air and be invigorated. Yes, this kind of weather is very pleasant. Why, even one’s attitude often improves! No doubt about it, mild weather is desirable, but harsh extremes are not.
3 So, too, with the Christian personality. As a quality, mildness is desirable rather than harshness. As a matter of fact, not only is it desirable, but it is a Christian requirement. The apostle Paul stated at Ephesians 4:1, 2: “I . . . entreat you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with complete lowliness of mind and mildness.” He encouraged Timothy to “pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper.” (1 Tim. 6:11) When counseling wives, Peter told them to let their adornment “be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.” (1 Pet. 3:4) Mildness, then, is really more than desirable. It is required of Christians.
WHAT IT IS
4. What else makes mildness so important?
4 Mildness is so important that the Bible tells us it is one of the products, or fruits, of God’s holy spirit. At Galatians 5:22, 23 Paul says: “The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness.” So this quality, mildness, is a product of God’s active force working through receptive Christians on earth. Where Christians are in tune with God, where they have molded their lives to the requirements God outlines in his sacred Word, and where they ask for and allow God’s spirit to operate in them, then they will be producing this quality. A lack of mildness indicates something is missing, that Christian maturity has not been acquired, that God’s spirit is not operating freely in that individual.
5. What does it mean to be mild?
5 Just what does it mean to be mild? Mildness means to be calm, moderate in our ways and actions, tempered in our feelings and behavior toward others. It means to be gentle, tender. This gentleness might be compared to that used when handling an infant. A loving mother would not think of putting a baby to bed by roughly throwing the child into its crib, unconcerned as to where it would land or what damage might be done. No, the loving mother is careful, tender. She keeps both hands on the infant and gently carries it from one place to another so as to cause no injury. She maintains a grip just firm enough to get the job done. Mildness is like that, gentle, tender, careful, but firm enough to accomplish the necessary tasks of life.
6, 7. What are some things mildness is not?
6 There are some things that mildness is not. It is not harsh. It does not employ sharp or cutting language when speaking to others. It does not harden itself against one’s fellowman. Husbands might compare it to a shirt collar. If the collar is too stiff it becomes harsh, irritating, cutting to the neck. The husband prefers a collar that does not irritate, one that is mild to the neck, but firm enough so that it will hold its shape. Mildness is similar to that. It is not hard, irritating or cutting.
7 Mildness is not impatient or quick-tempered. It is not difficult to please, finicky and fussy about every little thing. It is not disagreeable or belligerent. As Paul urged Titus to remind the early Christians, it means “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.”—Titus 3:2.
8, 9. Is mildness a sign of weakness?
8 Mildness should not be mistaken for weakness of personality or cowardice, however, for it most certainly is not. Just because a person cultivates a mild disposition and avoids extremes of speech and behavior does not mean he lacks courage or is ineffective. Actually, it indicates inner strength and shows that one has his spirit under control. It shows that one is being molded by God’s spirit, and how could that possibly make one weak or ineffective? No, do not confuse mildness with being feeble, irresolute, unstable, vacillating, or weak-kneed. It is not. To the contrary, the Christian who has this fruit of God’s spirit is strong, courageous, determined.
9 The apostle Paul was a mild person, yet he says of himself when writing under the inspiration of holy spirit: “In labors more plentifully, in prisons more plentifully, in stripes to an excess, in near-deaths often. By Jews I five times received forty strokes less one, three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I experienced shipwreck, a night and a day I have spent in the deep; in journeys often, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from highwaymen, in dangers from my own race, in dangers from the nations, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers among false brothers, in labor and toil, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in abstinence from food many times, in cold and nakedness. Besides those things of an external kind, there is what rushes in on me from day to day, the anxiety for all the congregations. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes to seize me, but through a window in the wall I was lowered in a wicker basket and escaped his hands.” (2 Cor. 11:23-28, 32, 33) Does all of that sound like the activity of one who lacked courage? Surely, while Paul had his human frailties and weaknesses, God’s spirit operating in him made him bold, fearless, courageous in the face of hardship and opposition. Yet, at the same time, he was like a loving father, for God’s spirit also produced in him a mild disposition. So, too, Christians today, while mild in disposition, also have the courage and boldness God’s spirit produces in receptive humans.
BENEFITS
10, 11. What are some benefits mildness brings?
10 Mildness brings many benefits to those who practice it. For one thing, it brings great calmness to mind and body. The mild person is not always getting upset and agitated by the actions of others. He does not torture his mind and body with continual anxiety and strife. It is not the mild person that is likely to get ulcers or mental disorders. To the contrary, mildness helps to keep the emotions on an even keel, which, in turn, brings benefits mentally and physically.
11 Another benefit that comes to the mild person is that he is easier to get along with. Others enjoy associating with him. They are refreshed when in the company of the mild person because of his pleasant manner, speech and actions, just as they are refreshed on a mild and pleasant day. This pleasant effect that mild ones produce is well described at Proverbs 16:24, where it says: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” When you are with a mild person, you feel just that way. You do not fear him, but, instead, his mild ways are like honey, “sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.”
12. How does it help us to keep our place in Jehovah’s arrangements?
12 Mildness helps us to keep our place in Jehovah’s arrangement of things, because it aids us to be submissive. Said Paul: “But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God.” (1 Cor. 11:3) Yes, all of God’s servants are in relative subjection. To be so requires a mild spirit. It is the haughty in spirit that do not want to be submissive to Jehovah and his arrangements. In this regard what a fine example Jesus set! Of him God’s Word states: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.”—Phil. 2:5-8.
13. Mildness helps us to avoid what other undesirable trait?
13 An additional benefit to mildness is that it helps us avoid the tendency to want to “shine” in the eyes of others for the sake of self-glorification. This tendency should be avoided, as it is offensive to mature Christians and Jehovah as well, for it is based on false pride. “Everyone that is proud in heart is something detestable to Jehovah.” (Prov. 16:5) The mild person is more likely to realize this and avoid ambitiously seeking to excel at the expense of his brothers, or to flaunt an imagined superiority over them, or to seek to lord it over those other mild and sheeplike ones belonging to God. Jesus said: “The greatest one among you must be your minister. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt. 23:11, 12) Mildness helps us to act like a slave and not a boss when dealing with other Christians. It helps us to appreciate always that it is Jehovah who must be exalted, and that all men are born in sin and are in need of redemption. The mild person mindful of his fallen state and his need of Jehovah’s ransom arrangement is not apt to seek self-glorification.
PROGRESSIVELY CULTIVATE MILDNESS
14-16. Give three influences that work against mildness.
14 Probably most readers, even those who have come to an accurate knowledge of God’s Word, will be able to look back in their lives and say to themselves: “O, I certainly remember many times when I was not mild and should have been.” No doubt many feel that as of this moment they do not fit the Scriptural description of a mild person. This may be true of you, but it should not distress or discourage you so much that you quit trying to become milder. You must remember that mildness is not a quality that is inherited, that comes naturally at birth. No, due to inherited sin, imperfection, we are born with a tendency toward doing bad, not toward doing good. “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) The psalmist David acknowledged this fact, for he said at Psalm 51:5: “Look! With error I was brought forth with birth pains, and in sin my mother conceived me.”
15 In addition, we have more that pulls us away from mildness. There are wicked spirit forces that oppose the activity of Christians and may put a test on their mildness by persecution or aggravation from earthly agents that are under demon influence. This opposition is well described by Paul at Ephesians 6:12: “We have a fight, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”
16 We also have this demon-controlled system of things and its bad spirit with which to contend. Daily most of us have to work among persons who do not have the spirit of mildness that comes from God, but who have the spirit of harshness that comes from Satan the Devil. The mental bent or mood of this present system of things works against Christian mildness.
17, 18. Since we cannot avoid all contact with the world, what do we need to do?
17 We cannot avoid all contact with those who lack a mild spirit, for, “otherwise, you would actually have to get out of the world.” What is called for is the restraining of one’s spirit so as not to retaliate in kind when others oppose or irritate. This restrained, mild spirit comes to our rescue in such times of stress and enables us to do as Paul states: “When being reviled, we bless; when being persecuted, we bear up; when being defamed, we entreat.” (1 Cor. 5:10; 4:12, 13) Here, too, Jesus set the pattern. “When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.”—1 Pet. 2:23.
18 With so many influences for bad at work, it becomes obvious that Christians will need to work diligently on this quality of mildness. It does not come naturally, without any effort on our part, for there are too many things that tend to make us hard instead. So, day by day, year by year, we must progressively cultivate mildness in order to counteract inherited sin, Satan the Devil and his demons, and those guided by the bad spirit of this system of things. If we do not work hard to cultivate mildness, then these things will tend to make us harsh like others in the world.
19. What preliminary step is necessary?
19 How do we go about cultivating mildness? First of all, by learning about it; by studying God’s Word and finding out that it needs to be cultivated, that it is a basic quality the Christian must have. That puts us on the right track. We know what direction we need to take, unlike worldlings who believe mildness is an undesirable quality and who believe that one must be hard, tough, arrogant, in order to get along in this world.
20. Why must we take human imperfection into account?
20 To assist us in our efforts to be milder as time progresses, we need to keep in mind continually the matter of human imperfection. We cannot escape the fact that all are born in imperfection and have a tendency to make mistakes. This awareness should make us see the need for empathy when dealing with others. It should make us appreciate that we have to be forgiving of others as God forgives them. Realize that they cannot produce perfect thinking and acting any more than we can. The person cultivating mildness will do this, forgiving even “seventy-seven times,” for the mild person is loving and “love covers a multitude of sins.”—Matt. 18:21, 22; 1 Pet. 4:8.
21, 22. Why should we avoid provoking others?
21 If we expect too much from others, more than God expects, we will be led to disappointment. This can bring a test upon us, because we may get to thinking that, since we did not get anywhere being mild, we may as well use harsh tactics. But this will serve only to provoke others to lose their mildness, and, in turn, their reaction may trigger a further lack of mildness on our part. It is a vicious circle. Far better not to start the process in the first place! It is as Proverbs 26:20 says: “Where there is no wood the fire goes out, and where there is no slanderer contention grows still.” But if we keep pressing and demanding and provoking, we should not at all be surprised if others get irritated, perhaps even angry. After all, it is contrary to human feeling to want to be provoked continually. Why, on one occasion, even Moses, “by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground” in his day, lost his mildness due to the unreasonable and provocative attitude of the Israelites! “They caused provocation at the waters of Meribah, so that it went badly with Moses by reason of them. For they embittered his spirit and he began to speak rashly with his lips.”—Num. 12:3; 20:2-13; Ps. 106:32, 33.
22 Not long ago a newspaper told of an incident that also demonstrates the matter of how harsh speech or actions can provoke others to a loss of mildness. It was an incident that happened to a woman member of the House of Commons in England. Once, she very sharply said to Winston Churchill, former prime minister of England: “If I were your wife, I’d put poison in your coffee.” Churchill snapped back: “If I were your husband I’d drink it.” Yes, she put wood on the fire and provoked a heated response. It was as Proverbs 26:21 notes: “As charcoal for the embers and wood for the fire, so is a contentious man [or woman] for causing a quarrel to glow.” We do not want to be like that, so we will be careful not to provoke others to lose their mildness on occasions.
23. How will acknowledging variety help our mildness?
23 Another thing that will help us in cultivating mildness is to recognize that Jehovah permits, within proper limits, a great variety in personalities, in tastes, in likes and dislikes. God has given man the marvelous gift of free moral agency. While this does not allow for complete freedom, for that would mean independence from God and his laws, it does allow relative freedom in many areas of human behavior. So do not insist on your own way or on your own taste in everything where Jehovah permits variety. Do not feel that everyone else has to fit into a mold you think best. Appreciate that all are different and do not try to make your own rules that would destroy the colorful differences that are part of God’s creation. Where strictness or conformity is required, where it comes to worship, to right doctrine and right conduct, then God’s Word, his holy spirit and his visible organization will keep us informed as to what we should do. But where matters are left largely to personal choice, such as in regard to what we should eat, what we should wear, what we choose to do for recreation and other such things, then keep in mind that, what God permits, we must also. This will help us not to be easily upset just because others have tastes that may differ from ours.
24, 25. Will cultivating mildness be easy?
24 Will cultivating mildness be an easy process? It may be easier for some than others, depending upon one’s background, early training, experiences in life and maturity in Christianity. However, if you are one who has difficulty cultivating it, then you may suffer more setbacks than others as you endeavor to do so. But do not be discouraged and quit trying. Note what Paul said at Romans 7:21-23: “I find, then, this law in my case: that when I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind.”
25 Yes, your fallen flesh, as well as outside influences, can give you much difficulty as you work to cultivate mildness, but you must not give up trying just because you lapse back into harsh ways at times. Think of the infant that is learning how to walk. He falls over and over again, but he gets up and keeps on trying until he finally succeeds and walks with confidence. So, too, as you work hard progressively to cultivate mildness, you may fail at times. But learn from the experience and reaffirm your determination to continue making progress. Recognize that growing to maturity in this matter of mildness takes time. Be satisfied with gradual improvement and do not stop trying just because the process may take longer than you had anticipated.
26. How will Jehovah help us in this matter?
26 Remember, too, that Jehovah is merciful. Where we fall short we can go to him in prayer and ask for forgiveness. We also want to pray constantly for assistance, because mildness is a product of Jehovah’s spirit. If we pray for God’s spirit, the spirit that produces mildness, then we are bound to make progress. In time, with this powerful help, the one lacking mildness will acquire it until it becomes a part of his personality, almost habitual, just as walking becomes almost habitual to the physically mature.
27. What rich rewards does mildness bring?
27 There is no doubt about it, cultivating mildness brings rich rewards. It results in a much happier life for you even though surrounded by distressing conditions, because you maintain your balance and are not distressed and hardened by them. Another reward mildness brings is that it makes you more receptive to the truth. As Jehovah continues progressively to reveal his will to you, you will be much more inclined to accept such new truths and pattern your life around them. What will this do for you? James 1:21 answers: “Accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your soul.” Yes, your salvation is involved! So be mild-tempered and thus put yourself in line for the fulfillment of God’s promise recorded at Psalm 37:11: “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”
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Instructing with MildnessThe Watchtower—1967 | May 15
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Instructing with Mildness
1, 2. Why do Christians need mildness in our time?
THERE is another reason why the Christian needs to cultivate mildness. True, it makes him happier, he is easier to get along with, it enables him to be more receptive to God’s truths and thus puts him on the way to everlasting life; but there is something else. Mildness is also necessary when performing the great preaching work that Christians are commissioned to do in these critical last days.
2 God’s truths must be dispensed to humankind. A witness must be given throughout the earth before the end of this present wicked system of things. Additionally, those already dedicated to God must be fed continually with truths from God’s Word. All of this requires much instructing, and mildness plays an important part in carrying it out. There may be various ways of teaching employed in this world, but where God’s Word is concerned, the knowledge contained in it is to be imparted to others in mildness.
3-5. (a) How do we know that instructing with mildness is the right way? (b) Why would sheeplike persons be attracted to Jesus?
3 Instructing with mildness is the right way, the Scriptural way, the way that brings the greatest response from truth seekers. We know this is true because the greatest instructor that ever lived, Jesus Christ, used mildness when teaching the truth to others. This outstanding quality, mildness, was a part of his personality, and he used it with telling effect when instructing those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
4 That Jesus had a mild disposition, he himself makes clear: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28, 29) How effective Jesus’ teaching would be because of his mild-tempered ways! Eagerly sheeplike persons would search him out to listen to him expound God’s truths. They would not be afraid of him as they were of their harsh, oppressive political and religious leaders who had lorded it over them without concern for their welfare.
5 Jesus had tender feeling for these common people who were in such pitiful condition spiritually and physically. “On seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36) Mild-mannered Jesus, feeling pity for these downtrodden and abused people, would indeed be a source of refreshment for their souls. How different he was from what they were used to! What an uplifting experience it was to be in his presence! Jesus was not like their harsh taskmasters, but he was mild, kind, generous, understanding, loving.
6. Would Jesus’ mild ways attract everyone?
6 The mild ways of Jesus would not attract everybody. Those who were not sheeplike and had no real love for the truth would probably view his manner as foolish and impractical in a hard world. Nor would the wicked ones respond. But Jesus did not want to attract just anyone into God’s new system of things. He was not calling those who would love what was wrong and hate what was right. His mild ways would appeal to the right kind of persons, to lovers of righteousness. These are the ones Jesus was after. He was hunting for “sheep,” not “goats.”
7. What care must be exercised when rebuking others as Jesus did?
7 It was when dealing with wicked, goatlike persons that we see Jesus using stronger language and actions. Jesus was mild, but he was not weak. When necessary, he denounced others, especially the hypocritical religious leaders, the scribes and Pharisees. Repeatedly he told them: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matt. 23:13-36) At times, some of God’s servants may need to deliver rebukes to others, but they must exercise great care in how they do so, for they do not have the insight that Jesus did. Hence, the times not to be mild must be the exception and must be weighed very carefully. In this, Jesus set the pattern, but he had authority and discernment that imperfect humans do not have today.
PAUL INSTRUCTED WITH MILDNESS
8. How did Paul show that instructing was to be done with mildness?
8 The apostle Paul knew that Jesus’ method of teaching with mildness was the best and was the pattern to follow, for he said: “Now I myself, Paul, entreat you by the mildness and kindness of the Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:1) Note, too, what he stated at First Thessalonians 2:5-8 in connection with his way of dealing with others: “At no time have we turned up either with flattering speech, (just as you know) or with a false front for covetousness, God is witness! Neither have we been seeking glory from men, no, either from you or from others, though we could be an expensive burden as apostles of Christ. To the contrary, we became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us.” To be gentle, to have tender affection, Paul had to be mild. He was.
9, 10. How did others respond to Paul’s mildness?
9 How did the brothers in the Christian congregation respond to this mild-mannered apostle? Well, on one occasion when Paul told the older men from the congregation in Ephesus that they would see him no more, note the reaction: “Indeed, quite a bit of weeping broke out among them all, and they fell upon Paul’s neck and tenderly kissed him, because they were especially pained at the word he had spoken that they were going to behold his face no more.” (Acts 20:37, 38) These Christians loved the mild-mannered apostle and wanted to be around him, for they found refreshment in this servant of God. It distressed them much to think that they might see him no more. At his departure there was no cold formality, but tenderness, tears and much appreciation for the service he had rendered them.
10 If Paul had employed harsh, worldly methods in his instructing, it is very unlikely that he would have been the recipient of such genuine tenderness. Sincere expressions of love and gratitude are hardly given to the harsh person, because harshness repels, it does not attract. There is no weeping at the departure of the hard, cruel taskmaster, but, rather, there is great relief.
APPEAL TO FREE WILL
11, 12. Why is harshness not God’s way?
11 Harsh methods of leading and instructing frighten. They do not inspire trust and love. They may get obedience for a while, but it is not a willing obedience. What is forced upon others usually does not endure, but is thrown off at the earliest opportunity. So forced obedience is neither desirable nor lasting, for Jehovah implanted in man a free will and desires willing obedience from him.
12 Most persons resent and resist harshness, pressure or compulsion. When “the Egyptians made the sons of Israel slave under tyranny,” how did it affect the oppressed? (Ex. 1:13) Exodus 1:14 tells us that “they kept making their life bitter with hard slavery.” When King Rehoboam said: “My father, for his part, made your yoke heavy, but I, for my part, shall add to your yoke,” the people revolted, as Jehovah foretold. (1 Ki. 12:14) In striking contrast Jesus told his listeners: “My yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matt. 11:30) No wonder truth seekers in that day followed him instead of the heavy-handed religious leaders who “bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger.”—Matt. 23:4.
13. How did Paul appeal to the free will of Philemon?
13 Observe how Paul appealed to the free will of Philemon in the matter of the runaway slave, Onesimus. When Paul was in prison Onesimus was very useful to him. But Paul wrote the slave’s owner, Philemon, and said: “I would like to hold him back for myself that in place of you he might keep on ministering to me in the prison bonds I bear for the sake of the good news.” But did Paul hold this slave back for himself? No! For he told Philemon: “But without your consent I do not want to do anything, so that your good act may be, not as under compulsion, but of your own free will.” What a difference such an attitude makes! We can imagine how Philemon would have felt had Paul said to him instead: ‘Now, look here, Philemon, I need this slave of yours, so I’m going to keep him no matter what you say.’ No, Paul knew better, for he instructed with mildness. He would rather have been inconvenienced than deal with Philemon in harshness or try to compel him to act against his own free will.—Philem. 13, 14.
14. What other examples show that willingness is desired?
14 When speaking of generosity, Paul also followed this principle of appealing in mildness to the free will of others. He stated: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) When Peter counseled the older men in the organization about their attitude toward the position of oversight they held, he urged: “Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly.” These mature ones should not feel they are forced to shepherd God’s flock, but should do so in harmony with their free will.—1 Pet. 5:2.
15. What part does self-discipline play in doing God’s will?
15 Appealing to the free will of people in mildness does not necessarily mean that everybody who dedicates his life to God will fully appreciate all the obligations Christians have. At first, some may find certain requirements difficult to perform. But just because such ones may take time to cultivate appreciation and liking for these things does not mean they will not do them. For instance, when telling of the necessity to preach the good news, Paul acknowledged that some might not want to do so at first, that it might be against the will that the person had molded up to that point in his life. Paul said: “If I perform this willingly, I have a reward; but if I do it against my will, all the same I have a stewardship entrusted to me.” (1 Cor. 9:17) Paul was not saying that someone else would force him to do this. What he was saying was that some would need to overcome their own selfish will in order to conform to God’s will, for, at first, the imperfect flesh may not always be delighted at doing what is right. Yet, even these who do it against their will are blessed, for they are not compelled to do so, but compel themselves because they love God and want to do His will. That is why Paul said: “I browbeat my body and lead it as a slave.” (1 Cor. 9:27) So this kind of obedience to God is still basically willing, of one’s own free will, because the individual is not forced by someone else, but he exercises discipline over himself in order to do God’s will.
WHEN PREACHING TO OTHERS
16. Did Peter agree with the methods of Jesus and Paul?
16 The kind of people Jehovah wants to live in his new order are those who will respond to the appeal of the truth of their own free will. With these persons our instructing will be most effective when done in mildness. From house to house, when calling back on such interested ones, or when teaching them the Bible in their own homes, the instructor will get his points over much better by a mild, gentle appeal to principles, logic and the beauty of the truth. Peter showed that this method was the one we should use in the work of instructing others when he said: “But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.”—1 Pet. 3:15.
17, 18. How does a lack of mildness hinder instruction?
17 When the Christian instructs with mildness, his listener will be better able to concentrate on the material being presented. He is not sidetracked as he would be if the instructor had a disagreeable manner. A teacher that is rash, argumentative and unpleasant will divert some of the student’s attention from the material and place it on the instructor. This would be a hindrance to his progress. The harsh instructor may even stumble others and drive them away from the truth! On the other hand, the one instructing with mildness finds this quality an asset and will be able to say as Paul did: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with.”—2 Cor. 6:3.
18 Much patience is needed when preaching to others. Here, again, mildness aids the Christian. The mild person is not easily upset when the progress of others is slow, or where he finds indifference to the message. He has a much easier time being patient than does one who lacks mildness, for such are more prone to be hasty, quickly irritated and impatient when results are not forthcoming. But if we lose our mildness because progress is slow or because of negative responses, we will be defeating our purpose, working against what we are trying to accomplish.
19. If opposition comes, what should it not be due to?
19 Appreciate that the mild instructor will not always get a listening ear. In fact, some will oppose and fight against even the mildest of persons, as they did against Jesus. But if there is opposition to the instructor of the good news, it should be because of the message he bears, because he represents the Most High God, Jehovah, and not because of any rudeness or harshness of word or action on his part.
20, 21. Why should we maintain our mildness even when opposed?
20 Maintaining mildness under provocation will help even some of these opposers to have a change of heart. Proverbs 15:1 states: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.” So effective is mildness when dealing with those who oppose, especially in ignorance, that Proverbs 25:15 says: “A mild tongue itself can break a bone.” A mild disposition can, in time, do much to break down prejudice and opposition. “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth.”—2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
21 Many are those who initially oppose but who are struck with the Christian qualities of the one preaching to them and so begin investigating the message they bear, eventually becoming dedicated servants of God themselves. What a powerful reason for the Christian not to “return evil for evil” when faced with unreasonable people! But even where opposition persists, the Christian does not retaliate. He remembers the incident when the Samaritans did not receive Jesus. “When the disciples James and John saw this they said: ‘Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and annihilate them?’ But he [Jesus] turned and reproved them.” Vengeance belongs to God. He is the Judge and he will deal with hard-set opposers in due time.—Rom. 12:17; Luke 9:54, 55.
AMONG CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
22. Where else is mildness a necessity?
22 Mildness is for use not just with those outside the Christian congregation or family circle. It cannot be dispensed with just because one is dealing with those in the Christian faith. To the contrary, if we use mildness with those who are not of the faith, we need to use it even more so when dealing with our Christian brothers. Mildness is not a garment that the Christian puts on as a front to impress those on the outside. It must become a part of his personality. It is to be used all the time, particularly when dealing with those inside the Christian congregation. “Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.”—Gal. 6:10.
23. How does mildness help when misunderstandings arise?
23 If a misunderstanding arises between Christian brothers, mildness helps them to do the right thing. “Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.” (Col. 3:12, 13) Those cultivating the mild spirit will more quickly make peace with their brother and forgive as God forgives. Mild-tempered ones are more likely to be “like-minded, showing fellow feeling, exercising brotherly love, tenderly affectionate, humble in mind.” Their mildness helps them approach the depth of love and affection Peter recommended when he said: “Above all things, have intense love for one another.” (1 Pet. 4:8) There is nothing so important in relations among Christian brothers that mildness, tenderness, empathy and love should be disposed of and cold, hard tactics substituted instead.
24. How is counsel to be given one who stumbles into wrongdoing?
24 At times a Christian may stumble into wrongdoing. Then he needs counsel. How is it to be given? “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to restore such a man in a spirit of mildness.” (Gal. 6:1) For a person who takes a false step before he is aware of it restoration is promoted when he is corrected in mildness. Of course, where wrongdoing is willful and persists to the point of making a practice of wickedness, then the Christian congregation takes further measures to punish such wrongdoers and to protect the congregation.—1 Cor. 5:11-13; 2 John 9-11.
25, 26. What care should those taking the lead exercise, and what is their proper relationship to their brothers?
25 Overseers and ministerial assistants should exercise great care and work hard to continue their advancement in mildness. The many responsibilities they have, the various problems and difficulties they handle can work toward a loss of mildness if they resort to their own imperfect human reasoning and spirit. They want to be dependent on Jehovah and continually look to him for guidance by his holy spirit. In that way their mildness will be maintained and advanced. The congregation will be built up and encouraged by these mild shepherds who produce the fruitage of God’s spirit, but it will be discouraged and torn down by harshness. And in the Christian congregation, any who persist in dealing harshly with God’s flock will, in time, be removed from their privilege of serving their brothers. Peter warned those taking the lead that they should not do so “as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.”—1 Pet. 5:3.
26 Jesus showed that those taking the lead were to serve, or minister, to their brothers. “He put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel.” Explaining why he had done this, Jesus said: “You address me, ‘Teacher,’ and, ‘Lord,’ and you speak rightly, for I am such. Therefore, if I, although Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash the feet of one another. For I set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also.” On another occasion he declared to his followers: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” This kind of humility God’s servants want to imitate today. Those mild in spirit will have no difficulty doing so, for mildness is the natural companion of humility.—John 13:5, 13-15; Matt. 20:26, 27.
27. Where else is mildness essential?
27 Mildness is essential in the smallest unit of the congregation, that is, the family circle. Fathers and mothers deal with one another and their offspring in mildness, not resorting to displays of bad temper or unreasonableness. The family head, the husband, needs to give much counsel and discipline, but it is to be done with mildness. This mild way of dealing with children will have a great effect for good on young minds. They will learn from infancy that the mild way is the way to deal with others. As they grow to adulthood, the mild spirit grows with them and becomes part of their Christian personality.
28. What are the results of mildness?
28 Instructing with mildness, then, is God’s way. It gets the best results when preaching to those outside the Christian congregation, when teaching and counseling those inside the congregation, and when instructing and correcting within the family circle. It makes for great peace and happiness individually and collectively. What a pleasure it is to be among an entire society of people who produce the fruitage of God’s spirit, who work, live and instruct with mildness! That God blesses such ones Jesus made plain when he said: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”—Matt. 5:5.
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Do You Give ‘Just as You Have Resolved in Your Heart’?The Watchtower—1967 | May 15
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Do You Give ‘Just as You Have Resolved in Your Heart’?
HE WAS only a nine-year-old lad, but he had gotten the spirit of the good news of God’s kingdom. This was apparent from the letter he wrote the branch office of the Watch Tower Society at Athens: “My parents told me that if I succeed in the annual school examinations by obtaining a perfect mark, they would give me as a present 500 drachmas [about $17.00 in value]. In fact, I succeeded in the examinations, and my parents gave me this promised gift money, telling me to use it at my own discretion. After having reflected, I came to the decision to use this money for expanding the publication of the good news, and I remit it to you through our overseer.”a
Remarkable? Yes, but not altogether unique, for that the good news of God’s kingdom has this effect on children is also seen from what a five-year-old Rhodesian child wrote the Watch Tower Society’s branch office at Salisbury: “Dear Brothers, Here is my donation to the Society for 1/- [one shilling; value, 14 cents] that my Daddy gave me for sweets. Instead of buying sweets my mind decided to send it to the Society because it will help a lot more than to buy sweets.”b
Yes, remarkable it is that young children should manifest such an unselfish spirit, but perhaps even more remarkable is the mature way these two young children expressed themselves: “After having reflected, I came to the decision,” wrote the nine-year-old; and “my mind decided to send it to the Society,” is the way the five-year-old put it.
Both of these youngsters appear first to have given the matter some thought, then resolved in their little hearts to give expression to an unselfish impulse and then acted upon that resolve. In doing so they were acting in keeping with the apostle
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