Gentleness

Typically linked to humility and meekness. Therefore, it is strength under control. It is called the grace of the soul and is grace provided to our souls by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Gentleness being closely linked to humility means it’s not self-seeking and not just solely based on its own self-interest. Rather it seeks the good of others. Nobody is inherently gentle, even if some people are more pre-disposed due to their personality, nature or nurture (environment). Yet, given the right (or wrong) conditions and dispositions anybody can act out. But the grace of the Holy Spirit at work in our soul exhibits through humility and in gentleness.

1 Peter 3:4 (AMP)
“but let it be [the inner beauty of] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, [one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature] which is very precious in the sight of God”

Jesus Christ offers us his gentle Spirit when we lay our burdens at His feet and entrust the totality of our being into His able hands:

Matthew 11: 29 (AMP)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

Our gentleness is not because we are unaware or unperplexed by the issues and storms raging around us rather we are submitted to the authority of an Holy God.

Isaiah 30:15
For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

We tend to be stubborn and strong headed and wanting to show our power. We believe in coming off as tough or brash so we are not being walked over by other people and by life situations. The truth of the matter is that in gentleness is our strength. It is the grace of the soul. Only those that have something worth submitting can submit. Holding onto a resemblance of power we think we have, will likely end up looking foolish in the long run. But, when we stay calm and entrust ourselves and battles into the hands of an able God, He goes to battle on our behalf. I mean, who wants to face the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! Just stand still and watch the salvation of God go before you. But in our standing still we must exercise humility of heart.

Humility – Other above Self

We must think of others above ourselves. This means we love our neighbor and offer them the same grace we offer ourselves or would hope for others to offer us in that same situation. We do not respond in harsh tones if we do not like being spoken to in a harsh tone. It means we are respectful and considerate of how other people like to be treated. We want to love our loved ones using their love language right, and not just loving them the way we want to be loved, because we understand that we are different types of people.

Ultimately Christ was the prime example of a gentle soul. Going to the cross as a sacrificial lamb even though he was also the lion of the tribe of Judah but to fulfill the will of His Heavenly Father, he submitted himself.

We see Him advocating on behalf of those that betrayed Him saying

“And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. “

Even as they were still in the middle of dividing His clothes and His belongings. The man wasn’t even dead yet they were making a claim to His possessions, basically saying “we can’t wait for you to die”. Yet God in gentleness and with a humility of heart realized this people were in the dark and completely unaware of their evil deeds. He advocated on their behalf and understanding His purpose and their part in the larger scheme of things, he wasn’t bitter or enraged about it. He felt his feelings when He cried Father

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me…”

But yet he showcased his Fully God and Fully Man nature by immediately stating

“…Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

May God teach us how to truly be gentle in our conduct, thoughts and heart posture.

May we accept God’s abundant grace for our soul and think of others above ourselves

Further study/References;

Digging Deeper with God – Gentleness

#SeekGodMore

Mo 🙂

 

A young woman on a mission to discovering purpose, to inspire growth and contribute to the Kingdom mandate. On the blog we are all about learning and growing and this is done through writing on topics from Faith, Education, Music, Food, Travel and so much more… (Romans 12:2)
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