G is for Gentleness

G is for Gentleness
by Wendy Elizabeth Middleton

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 

1 Peter 2:23

Meek is not mild, and gentleness is not weakness. The ‘he’ of 1 Peter 2:23 was Jesus, the Son of God. 

If you insult a tyrant the tyrant is likely to have you shot. If you insult a bully the bully is likely to break your nose. 

If you insult the Son of God he is likely to turn the other cheek. 

Jesus had the power of God in the palm of his hand. He could have ended them, instead he willing died for them.

Gentleness takes strength of character.

Children ran to Jesus because he was gentle, they could trust that he would never hurt them. 

Gentleness requires patience. 

Children make mistakes, children make messes, and children have to be told the same thing over and over before they learn. 

Gentleness is rewarding

Children can be frustrating – but there is little more satisfying that seeing that light bulb goes off when the message gets through. 

The full passage reads: When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:23-25

And then in Isaiah we find a description of God the Father: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

You can’t beat people over the head with the message of salvation. You can’t force them to believe. You can’t shame them into it, or threaten them with damnation. Well… you can, but none of these methods work. You may wring lip service out of people but in order to truly change the condition of someone’s heart you can only plant the seed and step back and let God do the growing.

Gentleness is the opposite of Anger

For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people,’ Hebrew 10:30

It is hard to be gentle when you are shaking with rage. Letting go of anger is far easier said than done, but it helps to remember that nothing goes unnoticed by God, and vengeance belongs to Him. We do not have the right to vengeance. Justice, yes, but not revenge. God, who sees all things deals vengeance from truth. We, who see only partly, no matter what we think we know, can only deal revenge from anger.
You have heard that is was said to people long ago, ‘Do not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement. Matthew 5:21-22

Take comfort in the fact that 

“It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31 Also be aware of the fact that 

“It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. Romans 2:1-2

Circumstance does not excuse bad behavior, but God knows all of the truth of the situation, and we rarely ever do.

Gentleness is one of the hardest Christian attitudes to maintain. It is also one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:23) So lean on the Spirit, trust God, and keep calm through whatever crisis tries to wind you up. God’s got this!

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for 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 11:29-30

Simple - Ain't - Easy
But God's got this!
Wendy