As I headed out of BJ’s in Plano, TX, I saw a man, who looked to be in his early 60’s, patiently usher his elderly dad through the small lobby and out the front door of this busy restaurant. His voice and demeaner were kind with great respect shown to this elderly man. The primary characteristic that I took from this experience was the “gentleness” exuded. Most everyone around the busy front entrance were transfixed by the “gentle” way that this man managed his dad forward which hushed and halted the surrounding movement. Contemplating what powerfulness looks like, a macho, athletic looking man emoting strength and fear comes to our mind. People usually move aside stepping out of his way. You know what? My view is acts of “forceful” gentleness cannot be matched. Expressions of gentleness stir people deep into their soul way beyond the surface.
The most powerful man who ever walked the face of earth described Himself as
“gentle and kind.” “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” (Matthew 11:28-30). The desire of gentleness originates from a humble heart, which places others before themself.
A gentle person is a servant. Matthew 11:11&12, “11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” A humble, gentle heart empowers you to look after the interest of others.
Notice the behavior of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when He lived as a man. Mark 9:36&37, “36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’” During His ministry, Jesus never shushed little kids away. He took the little ones in His arms and loved them. Can you imagine a little kid poking a finger in the Lord God’s mouth?! Children were crazy about Him. Why? He was gentle. Don’t you know how riveting it was to see Jesus healing the sick and broken, feeding 5000, dressing down the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, yet watching “terrible two’s” crawling all over Him.
Observe the heart of our God in John 13:3-5, “3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” Jesus, fully cognizant that He was omnipotent and omniscient, poured water into a basin then washed and dried the disciples’ feet. God wants each of us to realize the magnificence of our Lord and to understand that this emanates from a gentle, humble heart.
Paul the Apostle states clearly and concisely in Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Amen!
Barnabas Man 