MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 BLESSED ARE THE GENTLESomething flawed inside each of us says that we can satisfy our desires by being harsh. Whether at the airline counter or the fast-food line, in the checkout aisle or the exit lane, on the basketball sidelines or on the telephone, we believe that harshness will satisfy our desires. Yet at the same time, harshness leaves our relationships damaged and unrestored.
However, Jesus said, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5 NASB). Satisfied are the gentle. Gentleness is power under the Spirit's control. It means getting angry at the right time with the right measure for the right reason. Jesus was "Gentle...in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Contrary to prevailing popular opinion, the God of the universe is gentle, not harsh. Paul told us that the result of the Holy Spirit's dwelling in us is gentleness (Galatians 5:23). If the Spirit of God is alive in us, then we will be gentle in heart, not harsh.  |
