Text: Song of Solomon 4:1

1 Behold, thou art fair, my love;  behold, thou art fair;  thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks:  thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

Wednesday, 11^th September 2024

THE MEEKNESS OF A DOVE

Text: Song of Solomon 4:1

Memory verse: Song of Solomon 5: 12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.

The dove is the emblem of meekness; it is without irritation. We should be as doves for meekness; we must avoid unruly anger, which is a temporary madness. We must be without the irritation of bitterness and revenge. We must be of mild spirits, praying for our enemies. So did Stephen in Acts 7:60, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." This dove-like meekness is the best jewel and ornament we can wear. 1 Peter 3:4, "The ornament of a meek spirit, which in the sight of God, is of great price." Anger disfigures; meekness adorns.

To be as harmless as a dove is to strive to obtain, like your adorable Lord, this "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great price." Be "clothed" with gentleness and humility. Follow not the world's fleeting shadows that mock you as you hold them. If you are always aspiring, ever soaring on the wing, you are likely to become discontented, proud, selfish, timeserving. In whatever position of life God has placed you, be satisfied. What is your ambitious? To be on a peak of the temple, a higher place in the Church, or in the world? Satan might throw you down. "Be not high-minded, but fear." And with respect to others, honour their gifts, contemplate their excellences only to imitate them. Speak kindly, act gently, "condescend to men of low estate."

Be assured, no happiness is equal to that enjoyed by the "meek Christian." He has within him a perpetual inner sunshine, a constant well-mechanism of peace. Never ruffled and upset by real or imagined injuries, he puts on the best construction on motives and actions, and by a gentle answer to unmerited reproach often disarms wrath.

Because Christ delights in his Church, he commends all that is in her. He has respect for the multitude of the faithful, which are many in number.

CGDS HYMN 53: SS&S 873: 

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION, FOR YIELDING IS SIN

1. My faith looks up to Thee,

Thou Lamb of Calvary,

Saviour divine ;

Now hear me while I pray ;

Take all my guilt away ;

Oh, let me from this day

Be wholly Thine.

2. May Thy rich grace impart

Strength to my fainting heart,

My zeal inspire :

As Thou hast died for me,

Oh, may my love to Thee

Pure, warm, and changeless be-----

A living fire.

3. While life's dark maze I tread,

And griefs around me spread,

Be Thou my Guide :

Bid darkness turn to day,

Wipe sorrow's tears away ;

Nor let me ever stray

From Thee aside.

4. When ends life's transient dream----

When death's cold, sullen stream

Shall o'er me roll----

Blest Saviour, then in love,

Fear and distrust remove ;

Oh, bear me safe above----

 Prayers

1.  Lord Jesus, plant and develop in me that Spirit of meekness.

2.  LORD God Almighty, help me to attain that great price and peace that is found in meekness in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.