The world we live in today is certainly not known for being very gentle. This week, I watched a guy lose his mind on another dude when he took his parking spot. I also heard a guy blow up on his kids in the grocery store. And then this morning (as I write this), I have already scrolled through dozens of brutal comments of ruthless outrage about the political division in our country. (Many coming from my own brothers and sisters in Christ!)
Yes, sometimes, the same anger and brutality we see from the lost world around us rises up in our own hearts. Without question, these are all products of our own sinful flesh, the world, and the enemy. The reality is that life always has a way of testing our gentleness. We snap at loved ones. We let frustration control our tone with our children. We lose patience over what’s happening in the world around us. If we’re not careful, harshness can indeed overtake us and become an identifying mark of who we are. Many times, we don’t even realize it. But Jesus calls us to something different.
The Call To Be Gentle
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle…” — Matthew 11:29
Our Lord was strong yet tender. He welcomed children when others oftentimes saw them as a nuisance (Mark 10). Jesus defended the woman caught in adultery when the religious leaders wanted to stone her (John 8). The Lord even washed the feet of the man who would betray Him (John 13). If Jesus demonstrated gentleness in all these ways, we have to believe that He can certainly do the same good work in us.
As we walk with Jesus and learn from Him, we experience a Savior and friend who is gentle. He calls us to follow in His footsteps. And the great hope I want to remind you of today is this: gentleness is never something we have to manufacture on our own.
Gentleness Is A Work Of The Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is… gentleness…” — Galatians 5:22-23
Scripture teaches us that as we learn from The Gentle One, He daily renews our minds, rewires our hearts, and reforms our conduct. None of this is just self-improvement. On the contrary, it is the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. So, here’s the million-dollar question: “Are you becoming more gentle in your walk with Jesus?”
Do you find it hard to be gentle with your spouse and children at times? How do you react when someone says the wrong thing? Put very simply, ask the Lord to open your eyes to the areas where you need to grow.
But also, don’t miss the evidence of His work in you. Responding with patience instead of frustration, holding back criticism, and choosing grace are glimpses of the Spirit’s transforming power. Without question, that is worth celebrating!
Finally, I’m praying today for all of us. That in our homes, church, workplaces, and even in our online interactions, we would forever reflect the gentleness of Christ.
In Him,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor