Gentle strength ∙∙

Gentle strength ∙∙

Let your gentleness be evident to all. – Philippians 4:5

Isaiah 40:10-11

 10 Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a mighty arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead those that are with young.

During World War II, as the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands intensified, Anne Frank, along with her family, sought refuge in a concealed section of her father’s office building in Amsterdam. This secret annex, hidden behind a movable bookcase, became their sanctuary from the persecution and the imminent danger they faced as Jewish people in Nazi-occupied territory.

For two years, they lived in hiding, relying on the help of a few trusted individuals for survival. However, in 1944, their hiding place was betrayed, and the Gestapo arrested them. Anne and her sister Margot were later transferred to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they tragically died just weeks before the camp was liberated.

Despite the unimaginable hardships she faced, Anne documented her experiences and innermost thoughts in her diary, which was discovered after the war. This diary, known as The Diary of a Young Girl, has since become one of the most powerful and enduring testaments to the human spirit in the face of adversity. In it, Anne wrote, “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.”

A kind and quiet spirit, as depicted in the Bible, signifies an inner disposition characterized by humility, tranquility, and unwavering trust in the Father. It encompasses traits such as gentleness, peacefulness, patience, and a soothing, sweet temperament, reflecting a heart that remains undisturbed and unruffled. This spirit epitomizes a deep connection to unwavering faith and dependence on God, enabling one to remain composed and compassionate even in the face of adversity. It is an outward expression of inner beauty.

In Isaiah 40, the Father is portrayed as a powerful yet compassionate Shepherd. This imagery captures His dual nature – He rules with a strong arm, exemplifying His immense power while also displaying tenderness and kindness. He carries His lambs close to His heart and guides them with gentle care.

Sadly, many of the children of the King are often mired in their soulish, fleshly, worldly attitudes and viewpoints. Thus, the concept of an all-powerful King characterized by gentleness and kindness seems incongruous.

REFLECT & PRAY

As we serve the King, sometimes our most significant strength reveals a heart of gentleness to others (Dave Branon).

Father, I know I can be very rigid. It is too easy to demand my rights and seek retaliation when I am hurt or wounded by others. Please develop in me the quality of gentleness.

INSIGHT

John 1:14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

The King of Kings and Lord of lords became a mere, mortal human being. He experienced the worst that humanity could throw at Him: injustice, insult, rejection, and betrayal, coupled with emotional and physical abuse and so much more. He was the predicted Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. It was as though the Suffering Servant jumped out of the Old Testament prophetic scrolls and came to life.

The Lord Jesus Christ faced it all in gentle strength. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered (1 Peter 2:23). The natural response of people when abused or threatened is to retaliate, to try to get even, to hurt in return for being hurt, to seek revenge. Instead, the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted Himself into the Father’s hands.

The Greek word translated as “entrusted,” “trusted,” and “committed” is paradidomi. Paradidomicomes from the Greek words para, meaning “to the side of, over to,” and didomi, meaning “to give.” It conveys the idea of delivering over or handing over control, relinquishing control to another. For example, he left his case in the hands of God.

1 Peter 2:21-25

 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds, you are healed.

 25 Once, you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

Gentleness represents the ultimate response of strength, naturally flowing from our close, intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Displaying gentleness reflects the courage of our beliefs, as it is driven and empowered by the Holy Spirit within us.

United with Christ, gentleness becomes our way of life and action. As the Father shapes us into His likeness, our gentleness becomes increasingly evident in our interactions with others. The Greek word praus, translated as “gentle,” “conveys  “consideration,” “meekness,” and “humility.” Gentleness denotes a “mild and friendly disposition,” which accommodates the weaknesses and failures of others without being overly self-important (BDAG). Gentleness is neither insistent on one’s own rights nor pushy, assertive, or demanding its own way (Grudem). It avoids rigid correctness and retaliation, remaining meek and mild in response to insults and wrongs. Gentleness is the high road most often taken by the spiritually mature.

Gentleness is not optional; it is a required expectation for every child of the King. Philippians 4:5 instructs, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.” Jesus Christ modeled and exemplified these qualities as the Good Shepherd, guiding us to embrace His loving care and, in turn, shepherd others.

Gentleness and kindness allow us to make a point without making an enemy (Our Daily Bread, March 8, 2019).

Matthew 11:28-30

 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

 29 “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

 30 “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

John 21:17 “Do you love me?” . . . “Feed my sheep.”

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© Dr. H 2024