My Dear Sister,
Sometimes the definition of a word is clearer when you think of its opposite: summer verses winter, friend verses enemy, Hitler verses Billy Graham. When I think of gentleness, the opposite seems to be uncontrolled power: Uncontrolled power that causes chaos, fear, and rage. This power eventually becomes the demise of the one using it. When I contemplate an example of gentleness; a wrestler holding a baby, a Marine rescuing an orphan, and a dad changing a newborn’s diaper, come to mind. They are great examples. However the real model of gentleness, this power under control if you will, is Jesus Christ.
Do you ever think of how the all-powerful God of the universe came down to earth and became a baby? A baby: One hundred percent God, one hundred percent man. That is Power under control!! Do you remember how He spent most of his life as the humble son of a tradesman in a small town? That was Power under control! Christ was homeless and surrounded himself with societal losers, again, Power under control. He calmed the seas, cast out demons, and raised people from the dead, amazing Power under control. This Lord who created all things with his spoken word was controlled enough to draw children to Himself. These children ran to him with no fear, trembling, or coercion because he exuded power under control. The children trusted this gentle Messiah. What about you my dear sister?
His gentleness is what keeps us alive sister. The penalty of sin is death yet he has controlled his power and given us grace and mercy we do not deserve! All the wrathful power from a holy God was put on His son and all the power of heaven raised Him from the dead on the third day! Dear sister, are you trusting in Him? If you are then you are now free from your sin debt and your heart is in the hands of your Gentle Savior who will never leave you, never forsake you, and who will lead you as a shepherd. That is power under control. That is gentleness. That is our Savior.
How are we applying this gentleness in our lives? How can you and I have power under control? When speaking with our children who challenge us, remember to control your power. When speaking with our husbands who sometimes fail to meet expectations, remember to control your power. And even when speaking with our friends who sometimes share more about others (fact or fiction) than we need to hear…we should control the power to engage in gossip and use the power to leave. “A gentle word turns away wrath”. We have been treated with gentleness by our Savior…how much more should we be gentle with those he has placed in our lives?
From Your Sister in Christ,
Colleen