21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2021: Day 21

DAY 21: GENTLENESS & SELF-CONTROL
Sunday, February 28

READ
James 1:19-20

REFLECT
Dogs, cats, hamsters, and fish are typical pets found in many American homes. These are among the most easily domesticated and trainable animals. However, there is an increasing number of “wild” animals that are becoming more domesticated. People are discovering ways to train wild animals such as foxes, wallabies, skunks, and monkeys. Usually, humans are good at taming something wild. After all, this is what God has equipped us to do in giving us dominion over all of creation (Genesis 1:28).

In spite of our ability to tame wild animals, we still struggle with taming our tempers. We try to domesticate them on our own power, yet fail miserably to stay in control and express gentleness to others. We fail on our own because we do not have the power to control ourselves without living the Spirit-filled life.

Living by the Spirit produces self-control, but living by the flesh leads to being out-of-control. Gentleness and self-control are right next to each other in this fruit cluster of the Spirit. Gentleness is present when we possess self-control. Since self-control implies a mastery over our desires and passions, rather than showing vengeance and rage, the Spirit will produce gentleness in us when circumstances are out-of-control.

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do
Inward: Who you are; How you live
Outward: Intercession for others; unified prayer focus with Pathway

TODAY’S PRAYER: God, transform our hearts to rest in you. Help us acknowledge there are situations we have no control over, and we must allow the Spirit to produce new hearts in us to rest in you. Help us show gentleness toward others and not vengeance. Guide us in being a church who is sensitive to the needs of others.

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship