(*Thank you to Iris for hosting this week's Carnival of Beauty. Click HERE to find links to nine blogs focusing on Gentleness.)
Have you ever been around someone you’d describe as gentle? Kindness and consideration ooze from her pores. Things that would cause you to snap or rebuke someone harshly only slightly ruffle her feathers. Gentleness is in her nature.
When I attended the Girls Auxiliary program as a young girl, I had a teacher I could count on to be tenderhearted, never raising her voice. With about fifteen chatty and sometimes catty young girls in her care, she epitomized a gentle lady. Even when we ‘acted up’ and tried her patience, she never lost control.
Being a gentle person does not mean you’re a doormat. It only means having strength under control. The original Greek word Prautes is used of domestic animals whose great strength has been reined in and brought under control.
Since gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it should be an element of our new nature. God will lovingly help us along our path as Christians and help us develop this fruit, either by His example or through difficult trials. We learn to lean on God’s goodness and depend on His gracious ways to bring us through.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30)."
We find our perfect example in Jesus Christ. A gentle Christian submits his strength to God. Jesus submitted Himself to God. Think of the time Jesus went into the Temple and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. Or how about when He commanded demons to leave. Jesus was under control.
Peter wrote a woman’s beauty should not be the outer beauty of hairstyles or fine clothing. We should concentrate instead on our “inner beauty with the imperishability of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very valuable in God's eyes (I Peter 3:4).” In our culture of plastic surgery and designer clothes, it can be difficult to concentrate on the inner beauty, but think of the value in God’s eyes!
I hope to be like Jesus and my teacher – someone who maintains a gentle spirit – no matter what life throws at me. I have my own class every Sunday, but I teach adults. Now I wouldn’t think they’d ever act up. Or would they?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your kindness toward humankind, and for providing an example of gentleness for me to follow. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Amen! I've been thinking along the same lines. Jesus stood up for righteousness, yet he controlled himself--great scriptures!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found an example. As much as I thought about it, very few people came to mind--gentleness simply isn't valued in our culture! It's "more important" to be fun and sassy and
quick-witted. It's our loss!
My life's motto is Philippians 4:13 :). He is the only source to find strength in eveything, even to be gentle...
ReplyDeleteWelcome Donna to the Carnival of Beauty :). I hope to see you next week at Bethany's blog...
'Strength under control' ... I love that definition of gentleness. I'm learning more as I read. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks ago my sister in law died, she was so like a sister to me. She was the most courageous and gentle spirit I have ever known. I have a lovely memory of a strong yet gentle woman. I pray that I too may have a gentle spirit when I reach out to others with the love of Jesus.
Glen
Carmen, I've been blessed to know several gentle souls. You're right - they are few and far between. I'm working on being one myself.
ReplyDeleteEph2810, I like participating and hope to do more in the future!
Barbara, thanks so much for stopping by! Come back soon!
And Glennys, I emailed you privately, but wanted to say again how sorry I am about your SIL. And you DO have a gentle spirit. I pray the peace of God will be with you and hubby. God bless you.