18 June 2023 - God’s character displays gentleness

Exodus 34:6 (NLT) The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness . God demonstrates His gentle nature with us as our Shepherd, gently leading us as nursing ewes.

Isaiah 40:11 (NLT) He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

God is gentle and kind, the Shepherd who goes after the lost sheep that has ended up in peril, and He reaches down gently and carries the sheep home.

Matthew 18:12 (NLT) “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?

God is gracious to us as He shows His continued compassion and cares for us. Luke 1:78-79 (NLT) Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Isaiah 30:18-19 (NLT) So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

Matthew 11:29 (NIV) 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.

As God shows gentleness towards us, let’s take up the spirit of gentleness in our lives as evidence that we are under His control. “ has nothing to do with weakness, timidity, indifference, or cowardice. It was used of wild animals that were tamed, especially of horses that were broken and trained. Such an animal still has his strength and spirit, but its will is under the control of its master… Meekness is power under control. Biblical gentleness is power under the control of God.” - John MacArthur

“The meek are those who quietly submit themselves to God, to His Word and to His rod, who follow His directions, and comply with His designs, and are gentle toward all men.” - Matthew Henry

I conclude with: “Gentleness is an active trait, describing the manner in which we should treat others. Meekness is a passive trait, describing the proper Christian response when others mistreat us.” - Jerry Bridges from “The Practice of Godliness”