Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. Matt. 11:29
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil. 4:5
Lord Jesus, I want to be more like you, especially your gentleness. No one is more kind to the broken, understanding of strugglers, and patient with the wayward than you. Unlike me, you never get flustered, agitated, or hurried. That is so attractive—even gorgeous.
Gentle me with the truth and riches of the Gospel, when Satan accuses me of things I didn’t do, and condemns me for things I did do. I am so glad you are my righteousness, not my second chance.
Gentle me by the power of the Holy Spirit, when I’m with people who see faith, life choices, and government matters quite differently from me. Jesus, you haven’t made me anybody’s boss or sheriff; but you have called me to be kind, respectful, and gentle towards all.
Gentle me with your other-centered-love, when everybody else is catching fish, but me; and when other guys fix things so easily, and my brain just doesn’t work that way. Comparing ourselves to others usually results in envy, and you tell us envy makes our bones rot (Prov.14:30).
Lord Jesus, as Paul stated, you are “near.” You are so near us in the Gospel; in fact, you live in our hearts. You are also near in terms of coming back to finish making all things new. May that happen soon. So very Amen we pray, in your powerful and loving name.
