c Why Be Mild-Tempered? (Matt.

5:5)
Setting: Persuading a Bible student to apply some point of
Scriptural counsel.
MH: Madelyn, I am feeling a little discouraged, I don't think I will
be able to apply what I am learning here. It seems impossible to
live by, specially being mild-tempered.
MS: Monica I know how challenging that can be. Why don't we
go to the Bible and read Matthew 5:5, to find out what it means
to be mild-tempered. You may read it, and then we will analyze
this verse in particular.
MH: Read MT 5:5 ³Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since
they will inherit the earth.
MS: To be mild-tempered is to exercise gentleness in conduct or
action, not being harsh or unfeeling. In the little time I know you;
you come across a gentle and caring person. It is not easy to be
mild-tempered now a days, and it wasn't in Bible times either.
As a matter of fact, the Bible contains examples of God's
servants who were challenged as well.
MH: I didn't know that.
MS: Let's consider one account. While David was hiding as a
fugitive, from his enemy Saul, the king of Israel, David and his
men often guarded and protected the Israelites. One man who
received protection was Nabal. Nabal was harsh and bad in his
practices. Let's read what happened when David's men needed
provisions and the asked Nabal for some food.
1 Samuel 25:10,11- Monica.
MS: How do you think David felt by Nabal's attitude?
MH: I think David was understandably angry, instead of showing
gratitude for the protection David and his men provided, Nabal
sent them away empty-handed.
MS: Yes Monica we can clearly see how his mild-temper was
being put to the test, lets continue to read verses 12 & 13.
MS: David became angry, and ordered his men "Gird on
everyone his sword" they were on their way to kill Nabal. Now
let's read the outcome.
MS: Read verse 18 the verse 25
MS: Monica, Abigail intervened. She greeted David with
generous gifts of food and drink. She apologized for her
husband's conduct and humbly begged David to spare innocent
lives. Abigail's actions turned back David's anger. Monica, in
many cases "an answer when mild can turn away the rage of
others. This made David come to his senses.
What effect do you think had on David and Abigail?
MH: It brought both of them happiness and unnecessary
violence and loss of lives.
MS: That¶s right, and Monica we know that Jehovah will help us
develop this quality. In the account we just read David changed
his hot-temper to a mild one, setting an example for us. Some of
the positive benefits we will have if we develop this quality are
that we will have a calm heart, mind and spirit. We will improve
our relationship with others; have good friends and happiness
now and in paradise.
MH: After reading this account it does seem impossible. Let¶s
continue with our study then.