a much happier life for you even though surrounded by distressing conditions, because you maintain your balance and are not distressed and hardened by them. Another reward mildness brings is that it makes you more receptive to the truth. As Jehovah continues progressively to reveal his will to you, you will be much more inclined to accept such new truths and pattern your life around them. What will this do for you? James 1:21 answers: “Accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your soul.” Yes, your salvation is involved! So be mild-tempered and thus put yourself in line for the fulfillment of God’s promise recorded at Psalm 37:11: “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”

Instructing with Mildness

1, 2. Why do Christians need mildness in our time?

THERE is another reason why the Christian needs to cultivate mildness. True, it makes him happier, he is easier to get along with, it enables him to be more receptive to God’s truths and thus puts him on the way to everlasting life; but there is something else. Mildness is also necessary when performing the great preaching work that Christians are commissioned to do in these critical last days.

² God’s truths must be dispensed to humankind. A witness must be given throughout the earth before the end of this present wicked system of things. Additionally, those already dedicated to God must be fed continually with truths from God’s Word. All of this requires much instructing, and mildness plays an important part in carrying it out. There may be various ways of teaching employed in this world, but where God’s Word is concerned, the knowledge contained in it is to be imparted to others in mildness.

3-5. (a) How do we know that instructing with mildness is the right way? (b) Why would sheeplike persons be attracted to Jesus?

³ Instructing with mildness is the right way, the Scriptural way, the way that brings the greatest response from truth seekers. We know this is true because the greatest instructor that ever lived, Jesus Christ, used mildness when teaching the truth to others. This outstanding quality, mildness, was a part of his personality, and he used it with telling effect when instructing those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

⁴ That Jesus had a mild disposition, he himself makes clear: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28, 29) How effective Jesus’ teaching would be because of his mild-tempered ways! Eagerly sheeplike persons would search him out to listen to him expound God’s truths. They would not be afraid of him as they were of their harsh, oppressive