This word can also be translated as “being sweetly reasonable.” I like that, it’s much more defining than being gentle. To be sweetly reasonable is to lay aside selfishness, the desire for control, trying to be in charge. The Holy Spirit has often asked me, “Are you being sweetly reasonable here?” And usually I must admit, “No, I’m not.

I think of all the times I said, “No!” to someone’s request for some selfish reason: it was inconvenient to say “yes,” or it made me feel powerful to say, “No” or I didn’t want to be bothered. Often people in authority will say, “No” because they fear possible negative consequences, for themselves or their organization.

Of course, if the request is outrageous, like when you 14 year old asks to take your car for a spin, then a “No” is appropriate. Other times a risk taking request needs to be evaluated. I praise God for our doctor who was willing to take a risk and give my wife a somewhat unconventional treatment for chronic lymes disease—and it worked! And I praise God for some leaders I had who were willing to let me implement risky ministry moves—and these “gambles” turned out to be very profitable,

One definition of being sweetly reasonable is to say “Yes” as much as possible, to build others up rather than protecting yourself. And also to say “No” when it is appropriate. May God give you wisdom to implement Heavenly Wisdom in your everyday life.

If you’d like to read a novel illustrating how to  apply each part of Heavenly Wisdom,  here it is: