With “wars and rumors of wars” going on around us, whether it’s between nations or in our neighbourhood, the call to gentleness can seem almost absurd. And yet it is one of the shining glories of Jesus. Read through the four Gospels and you will find what true humanity looks like in Him. He embodies truth and grace in perfect harmony. He is not afraid to call out the hypocrisies of the religious leaders and influencers of His day. He is also not ashamed to care deeply for sinners, the weak, the misunderstood, and the outcast. Jesus is almost the opposite of what people demand of a leader today.

Gentleness, of course, is not weakness. It is strength under control. The same hand you use to hold your child as you walk leisurely in the park is the same hand that can pull and grab her out of danger. We must remember that Jesus spoke these well-known words after issuing severe warnings to several unrepentant cities (Mat 11:20-24):

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” (Mat 11:28-30)

True gentleness flows out when our hearts are in tune with Jesus. Paul writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness” (Gal 5:22-23). Jesus doesn’t just treat us with gentleness, through His Spirit He forms the same gentleness in us, so that we can be gentle with others.

Reflection:

• What would it look like to respond with Jesus-like gentleness today?
• What makes it difficult for you to be gentle?

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.