week 4: gentleness
Friday
Gentleness is Strength
”Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:5-8
I was a youth leader at my church for many years, and one of the games we would often play with newcomers to youth group was called “Would You Rather.” The game was a fun way to have everyone learn about your silly preferences. In this game, you give someone two options and ask them which they would rather do. Even though this game was meant to be silly, I often think of this game in regards to my heart motives on more serious things. Upon reflecting on the fruit of gentleness I thought of a “would you rather” that I specifically have a hard time answering, and perhaps you will to.
Would you rather be physically strong or spiritually strong?
We all know the obvious “good Christian” answer, but what would your honest answer be based off of your life and your heart’s desire? I know mine would probably waver back and forth. At times it may show my desire to be spiritually strong, but there would be a lot of examples where I chose to believe that being physically strong was more important than being spiritually strong. In all honesty, even though living an active and healthy lifestyle is hard to stick to, I find it so much harder to stick to growing spiritually. Mainly it is because I don’t often see the importance of spiritual health when being physically healthy seems to take precedence in our society. I tend to be more bothered by how people view me outwardly, but give little thought to how I should treat someone who just misrepresented me. I don’t really see the benefit in being gentle and what it does for me or them. So I tend to treat them like any “strong” woman would. I give them a piece of my mind and let them know they don’t want to mess with me. Isn’t that what I am supposed to do as a strong, empowered woman?
Jesus gave us a powerful example the last week of his life when he rode into a city controlled by his enemies. He didn't come on a big white horse, ready for battle, and ready to give everyone a piece of his mind. He didn’t rush to the gym to work on his muscles so he could present himself as more intimidating when he showed up. No, instead he comes in "gentle and riding on a donkey" Zechariah 9:9. Even after Jesus was hauled in front of Pilate and falsely accused by the priests and elders, he stayed steady and calm. "Jesus made no reply," it says in Matthew 27:14, "not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor." You see, Jesus’ actions during this time are one of the most profoundly important things to reflect on. Everyone assumed Jesus would lash out, make a scene, show his “strength,” just as any of us would have if we claimed we were God. But just like ourselves, they were looking at the wrong type of strength. During Jesus’ death on the cross he showed that the strength he was exemplifying was spiritual strength. This strength is much more difficult to achieve and so much more important. Jesus was gentle, humble and kind even as his body was being scoured, and even as insults were being yelled at him. Why on earth would anyone choose to have restraint at a time like that? He should fight, he should reveal his power and ability to wipe all of them out in an instant. Why at a time like this would he choose to be calm?
Most importantly, if Jesus were to have lost his temper, and decided to show his force on everyone, you and I would have never been saved, because he would have never died for our sins. That in and of itself shows the importance of having spiritual strength! Secondly, the gentleness of Jesus astounded people. How could anyone have such restraint? It is the strength of gentleness that calms anger and silences arguments. It is gentleness that stands out, not a harsh word or physical dominance.
You see, gentleness takes much more strength than those dumbbells we lift do. Gentleness takes not only mental strength, but an entire identity transformation that is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit transforming our hearts. To build muscles of gentleness it takes commitment, it takes daily sacrifice to place yourself second and the Creator first. It takes humility. It takes desire. It takes restraint. Over and over again, God points to gentleness as one of the character traits he wants to form within us. For what good is there to be strong physically, but spiritually and emotionally weak? It may help you temporarily, but eternally it is of no value.
Do you know what would be more shocking than being an outwardly strong woman - being inwardly strong. Being able to have someone yell at you, while you, being rooted in the truth are able to calmly and lovingly respond as you act as an image bearer of God. To have a gentle spirit like Jesus, we must draw on God's strength. When we do this, we will see one of the great mysteries of power at work in us - the Holy Spirit giving us the strength to be gentle and be an example of God being revealed through us to others.
Questions to Ponder:
Do you desire to be gentle as Jesus was when he walked this earth?
Do you view gentleness as an important fruit to cultivate?
Today’s Reading: