“Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11
Many of us remember gentle giants in our lives. They nurtured us and encouraged us. We liked to be around them. We listened to them, admired them, wanted to be like them. They were strong and courageous in stature and character but gentle in spirit. Just like fathers are supposed to do. Men of character live as gentle giant examples for their children. They exhort them and encourage them. They are their children’s biggest cheerleaders.
For many of us our gentle giants were not our own fathers. But God put gentle giants in our lives because He knew we needed them. Gentle giants understand something about life. They recognize that beyond themselves there is a world to be transformed. And they will serve others beyond their difficulties of life because they know they are serving God.
Just as there were gentle giants in our lives, we bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ when we become gentle giants in the lives of others.
Ask yourselves these questions this week:
1. Who, specifically, were the gentle giants in your life growing up?
2. Who sees you as a gentle giant in their lives? and
3. Would you be willing to walk as a gentle giant for someone?
Someone in your sphere of influence is needing a gentle giant in their lives. You could be the one.
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the gentle giants in our lives who encouraged us and led a life of good character and integrity. We are so grateful today for them. Please speak to our hearts, O Lord, and give us the opportunity to be gentle giants in the life of someone. We know they are looking for someone like us to be their gentle giants. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.