Think of a small child and how they want to be spoken to. Do you like to be spoken to with kindness and gentleness, or harshly? How do you feel when a person says, "I just tell it like it is"? Yes, it is important to tell the truth, but it must always come from a heart displaying My gentleness. Imagine Jesus talking to you face to face. The very Son of God would address you with such gentleness. Don't you think you should too?
Those that respond harshly are not responding out of a heart of love, but a heart of fear--a fear of being taken advantage of, a fear of losing power or control. But this is not My way. My people are here to serve others. This does not mean correction is not in order; but again, how do you like to receive correction? It must be done in the spirit of the fear of the Lord, with great honor and humility, realizing that you, too, could fall if it wasn't for My grace.
Therefore, be gentle. Allow My Spirit the opportunity to work in any given situation. I know how to move a heart in the right direction. Many have suffered harsh treatment in this life, so let this fruit flourish in your life, for it is sorely needed.
Matthew 5:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
Philippians 4:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.
James 3:17 Living Bible (TLB)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.