Warm Palette
by Lauri Krentz
"I strive for three visual aspects in my work, soft edges,
a warm pallette, and an overall sense of light."
- Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light.
Last month, Fleta, prompted by the above quote, wrote about having "soft edges" when we relate to others, especially when offering direction or correction. She asked me what came to mind when I thought about a "warm pallette."
Being approachable! An artist uses "warm" colors when he wants the mood of his work to be warm, soft, friendly; approachable. The dictionary defines approachable as: capable of being approached; accessible, easy to talk with or know. Does that not describe our Heavenly Father? Jesus was approachable when He was here on earth. The poor, the rich, the sick, the curious; all felt confident to approach the Man from Galilee. And He remains approachable now, seated at the right hand of the Father.
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
God, in being approachable, does not give up any aspect of His character. He doesn't offer us cheap grace, He doesn't compromise His standard, He doesn't let us off the hook. But He loves us, corrects us, disciplines us, and guides us with patience and gentleness, remaining approachable to us even in difficult times. We can approach Him boldly, with freedom and confidence, because we know He loves us.
Am I approachable to others? Do I treat others with patience and gentleness? It is easy to underestimate the power of gentleness. Many Scriptures speak of gentleness, in fact, it is something that should be present in our lives as a result of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26) Some tend to view gentleness as being wimpy or somehow compromising. One can be gentle without compromising. It's easy to be harsh and cynical with those who are not meeting our expectations. If, when giving correction or direction, we have a sharp tongue or a stinging tone instead of practicing gentleness, we can easily become unapproachable. Instead of listening, people will shut us out and become defensive and distance themselves from us. Being approachable, not alienating people, is important if we are to minister to others. II Timothy 2:24-3:1 says:
"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."
Lord Jesus, I do not want to be a stumbling block to someone coming to you in repentance by alienating them with my harshness. Thank You that You are approachable, that I can approach Your Throne of Grace with freedom and confidence. Help me, Father, to have a "warm pallette" so that others will feel comfortable in coming to me in their need.
"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5