The word gentle can sometimes be seen as weakness in our society. Looked at as if the gentle person lacks a backbone or drive for the everyday business of life. I'd argue that the gentle person is one of the strongest people I know. It takes strength and wisdom to be gentle and respond with gentleness. People are difficult at times, but the Bible reminds us on several occasions that a gentle answer turns away anger. Which I know is easier said than done, if it was easy to be gentle and kind our world would look drastically different.
If you look up the definition of gentle, it is defined as being free from harshness, sternness or bitterness. There is kindness and a silent resilience within a gentle spirit that we are so quick to overlook. What if we stopped and took the time to acknowledge the gentle leader? Slow down and look at the quiet resilience and strength and used that to live out our calling as believers, To go onto all the world and spread the gospel to all people everywhere. Change. We would see real, life-altering change begin to take place.
"God wants you to have something far better than riches and gold, and that is helpless dependence upon Him." - Hudson Taylor
What a thought! To have a helpless dependence upon Jesus. To be fully devoted to Him with ever ounce of who we are. There is a boldness in the gentle leader that is far too often overlooked. A quiet devotion not always seen, but desperately needed within our busy culture. Being fully dependent upon Jesus is a beautiful thing. Its hard and often doesn't make sense, but let me tell you it is so worth it friends.
Push aside your distractions and focus in on what matters, Jesus. Its all about Him, and making Him known throughout the nations. We need loud and crazy voices spreading the gospel. We really do. It's amazing to see the gospel being presented and accepted, my prayer though is that we don't neglect to give a gentle answer. That the gentle voice full of strength often hidden is not silenced but that it be encouraged.
"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." - Proverbs 15:1
Its easy to forget the gentle response is often better than the harsh one, especially in our busy society. But, let that be your challenge this week. Find opportunities to lean into the gentle and reflective answers.
Even though its easy to forget there is strength in being gentle.
Much Love friends,
Alianna
Bold but gentle and strong! Amen!