A Gentle and Quiet Spirit - Part 1
“Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I Peter 3:4
What does it mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit? Is there someone who comes to mind when you hear that phrase? Do you feel it applies to you? To better understand what it means to have a gentle and quiet spirit and how we can apply it to our own lives, we need to look at this verse within the context of 1 Peter chapter 3. We will be looking specifically at verses one through five. There are several other key words in the first few verses that help us to gain a better understanding.
SUBMISSION - 1 Peter 3:1 - This word does not mean submission in inferiority as many people interpret it but rather submission in the functioning of the home. Just as in a company there must be a hierarchy, so it is in a family. We are in submission to our husbands and they are in submission to the Lord. Peter was speaking here to women and how we are to be an example to our unbelieving husbands. I believe it speaks to women with believing husbands as well. We are to be an example in all we do to believers and nonbelievers alike. It speaks to our quality of life. What kind of example are we setting?
PURITY - 1 Peter 3:2 - This speaks of our moral purity. Again, setting an example.
REVERENCE - 1 Peter 3:2 - Do we show a reverence for the Lord and the things of the Lord?
BEAUTY- 1 Peter 3:3 - Describing the focus on the outward appearance. Peter is not saying that braiding your hair or wearing gold jewelry is a sin, but that gaining all of your worth from these things is wrong. We should guard our hearts against putting all our emphasis in this area. As Christian women we must be known by our heart.
INNER SELF - 1 Peter 3:4 - This stands in sharp contrast to the outward adornment spoken of in verse 3. We have all heard the phrase, “Beauty comes from within.” That’s what Peter is saying here. We should focus our attention on beautifying our hearts more so than our outer selves.
Now does this mean we just let ourselves go, never paying any attention to our appearance? No, it speaks to where your FOCUS should be. A gentle and quiet spirit is an ATTITUDE of the heart. Have you ever met someone who you thought was pretty, but then when you got to know them a bit you discovered they were not very nice? Proverbs 31: 30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Again we see that this gentleness is an attitude. As a Christian we are to reflect the attitude and heart of Christ. When we are questioned about our faith or some worldly issue, how we respond will be a direct reflection on the Lord. If we have prepared our hearts and have cultivated that inner self, that gentleness, we will be prepared and respond appropriately.
Many women feel that if they strive to have a quiet and gentle spirit they must completely change their personalities and become a doormat! A new cyber friend recently made a very good point. She said that this Scripture does not speak to our personality but to our spirit. Let’s take a quick look in scripture at what having a quiet and gentle spirit does NOT mean.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 - And we urge you , brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” It is apparent from this verse that God did not intend for us to be timid or weak. We should not equate a gentle and quiet spirit with timidity and weakness. We see this even more in the following verse.
2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” He has given us that power that we might be strong in spirit.
Our personalities are as varied as a garden. I tend to be very outgoing. You may be more reserved. Even if someone already has a quiet personality, it does not mean they exhibit the spirit spoken of in 1 Peter. Regardless of our personality type, this command is for each of us. It is something we must strive for in order to be the women the Lord has called us to be.
STEEPED IN HIS WORD
Meditate on the passage from 1 Peter chapter 3, asking the Lord to show you areas you need to work on having a quiet and gentle spirit. Maybe it’s your speech, submission to your husband, or patience with your children.
Read and meditate on Galatians 5:23. How do each of the Fruit of the Spirit relate to having a quiet and gentle spirit?
STIRRED TO ACTION
Focus on one of the things you feel the Lord is speaking to you about this week. Make a concerted effort to practice the quiet and gentle spirit when these situations arise. Keep a prayer journal of your progress.
copyright 2000 Angela Snodgrass
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