There is something very special and touching about watching a large and powerful animal display gentle kindness to another creature. I was reminded of that this past week reading about Jambo the western lowland gorilla.

In August 1986, Jambo shot to international fame as he came to the rescue of a young boy who had fallen into his exhibit at the zoo. As the boy lay unconscious, he stood over him in a protective stance to keep the other gorillas away while gently stroking his back. Jambo was certainly capable of tearing this little boy limb from limb and yet he chose to display amazing gentleness and consideration for him.

Gentle is an adjective you don’t hear very much anymore to describe a person. There is a real tragedy in that. Shocking and abrasive interactions seem to draw more attention and create more drama.

I wonder if we wouldn’t be better off taking a moment to learn from Jambo. Sometimes a gentle nature can provide the most powerful and life-altering events.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul instructed him “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” What wisdom! We must remember even when we may be right, even when we may know truth, it does not give us a license to be abrasive and hostile toward others.

How many conflicts could have been avoided and relationships saved from ruin if we would take the time to consider the situation and circumstances of others and seek gentleness and peace in our words and deeds?

After all, Paul said, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”

If we as Christians take the time to humbly reflect on how we lived before coming to place our faith and trust in Christ, we would recognize the magnitude of grace that was shown to us. We would recognize that we are certainly in no position to speak ill or harshly of anyone or to anyone.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” The call to be kind, considerate and loving is a call to reflect what God has poured out on us. It is a call to reflect His nature in a broken world. In a culture of pride, aggressiveness and wanting to win at all costs, gentleness is unexpected and stands out as a welcomed surprise.

I want to challenge you to be intentionally gentle. The tougher the situation, the gentler the response. The more inconsiderate the action against you, the more peaceable and considerate your reply. Know that in every interaction you have, you are dealing with someone that God loves. Shock someone with gentleness and God’s love this week!