Midweek Praise
Wednesday June 10
Gentleness/humility
Wednesday June 10
Gentleness/humility
Gentleness does not mean weakness, but it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behaviour toward others. The opposites of humility and gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-imposed power.
It takes a strong person to be truly gentle. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow gives us a wonderful illustration of gentleness in “The Village Blacksmith.” In the poem, the main character is described thus:
The smith, a mighty man is he, with large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.
However, in church, as he hears his daughter singing a hymn, the smith is overcome with emotion,
And with his hard, rough hand he wipes
A tear out of his eyes.
This is gentleness – might restrained, humility and grace.
When we are filled with the Spirit’s fruit of humility, we will correct others with easiness instead of arguing in resentment and anger, knowing that their salvation is far more important than our pride. We will forgive readily, because any offense toward us is nothing compared to our offenses against God —offenses He’s already forgiven.
Gentleness also means giving up the right to judge what is best for ourselves and others. Gentleness means that we accept that the rain falls on the evil and the just and that God may use methods we don’t like to reach our hearts and the hearts of others.
Finally, to live in a spirit of humility doesn’t mean to be so soft that people will take advantage of us. It’s okay to be mild, loving, encouraging, and clear about boundaries that you have set.
Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” and now He offers us His gentleness as a gift.
Heavenly Father, look upon us with favour. Set our hearts on fire with love for all your people everywhere, no matter their colour or their creed. Move us, father, to live in harmony with one another, to love one another and to be kind to one another, in Jesus Name and may the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
For children: