Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms

A World Longing for Gentleness with Nicolet & Christie

·18 min·1 clip

Christie reveals why the world sees Christians as the problem, not the solution, in an outrage culture.

The episode begins with an introduction to the show 'Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms' and host Nicolet Bell, who welcomes back guest Christie Thomas, author of 'Everyday Prayers for Gentleness.' Christie introduces herself as a writer from Western Canada, a former children's ministry director, and a homeschooling mom of three boys. The conversation opens with Christie explaining why she chose to write about gentleness over kindness, describing it as a radical, hard-to-practice virtue that the world desperately needs. She attributes this need to living in an 'outrage culture' fueled by social media and COVID-19, which exacerbates stress and polarization. Christie argues that Christians are often seen as part of the problem, citing instances where mean behavior is associated with Jesus-followers, contrary to the biblical call to be known by love. She references Jonathan Edwards' definition of gentleness as a 'lamb-like, dove-like spirit' and Philippians 2, which calls Christians to emulate Christ's humility and servanthood. The discussion shifts to how gentleness can transform Christian witness, with Christie sharing an anecdote about two churches in Texas that swapped buildings without money, modeling a countercultural approach. Nicolet and Christie delve into theological nuances, distinguishing between aspects of Jesus that can and cannot be modeled, such as righteous anger, which belongs solely to God. They reference biblical passages like Colossians and Galatians that urge believers to rid themselves of anger. Christie emphasizes that human anger does not produce God's righteousness and calls for Christians to reject outrage in favor of gentleness. The episode then focuses on parenting, with Christie mentioning a 'Slow to Anger Parent' class based on a 35-year study linking parental anger to damaged relationships with children and faith alienation. Nicolet shares a personal story of yelling at her daughter due to stress, illustrating the practical challenges of practicing gentleness. The conversation concludes with Christie offering her website for resources, and Nicolet previews future discussions on gentleness, encouraging listeners to engage with the book and community resources.

As heard by us

A prayerful conversation about gentleness, humility, and resisting outrage.

Nicolette Bell and Christy Thomas settle into a conversation that treats prayer as a first response and gentleness as a lived practice. It moves from parenting into the wider questions of cultural witness, outrage, and James' warning that human anger does not produce God's…

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Why you'd press play

For when you want your faith with less outrage and more gentleness.

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