Jesus Is Gentle

The idea of gentleness can often be described as a negative characteristic of someone who is a pushover or doesn’t like to rock the boat. However, when we truly understand what gentleness is, we begin to see how perfectly Jesus is gentle.

The biblical definition of gentleness definitely conjures up a totally different image of Jesus than the one we see on Christmas cards. It is described as ‘having a sensitive and kind approach to everything, which is founded on strength and prompted by love’.

There seems to be more to it than just the quiet, elderly lady who sits at the back of church.

Instead, it suggests that the driving force behind gentleness is a combination of strength, humility, love and kindness. Jesus was exactly that. Just think of the quiet boldness that he portrayed when he died on the cross for us. It must have taken every single ounce of physical and spiritual strength to take our yoke (our burdens) upon himself.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Because of Jesus’ bold display of gentleness, we can enter his rest. Are there people around you who just exude peace? It’s infectious, like you can’t help but want to be around them.
How much more can Jesus create that atmosphere in our hearts, even when our circumstances may be saying the opposite?

Prompted by love, Jesus gently exchanges our worries for true rest when we choose to put our trust in him. He is strength in our weakness. All we have to do is humbly come before him, trusting that he is always enough.