Try a Little Tenderness

“Deal gently with him for my sake.” Thus said David to Joab concerning Absalom. This is what a father says to his servant concerning his erring son. And I believe the same is true of our Heavenly Father who admonishes His servants to be compassionate in dealing with one of His wayward children.

We are to be “…gentle…as a nurse” and comfort them “…as a father.” They are to be restored “…in the spirit of meekness.” Many times, this type of person does more in helping themselves than the one they’re helping. Another plus side is that the one helped will always carry a tender place in his heart for the “attending physician.”

Binding up another’s wounds can bind two people together, closer than that of an earthly brother or sister. People are not quick to let go of those who get them back on their feet again. “And…the lame man which was healed held Peter and John.”

Deal with others’ shortcomings as God does yours. Both you and they will be better for it .