The result of sin’s control in our lives is clear. It includes sexual immorality, impurity and wild living, worshiping false gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, having envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not be in God’s kingdom. (Galatians 5:19-21, ICB)
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. (Galatians 5:22-23, TPT)
You are never outside the parameters of Jesus’ love no matter how many times you mess things up. Forgiveness and restoration have no time limit.
“The Greek origin for meek [gentle], praus, is translated as ‘strength under control.’ In ancient Greece, war horses were trained to be meek-strong and powerful yet under control and willing to submit.” (“Strength under Control: How to Lead Like a Meek War Horse” by Matt Norman)
How can you experience the gentleness of Jesus, and allow it to change you (for the better)?
·
Jesus quiets the cynic
in you-Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in
peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone. (Titus 3:2, ERV)
·
Jesus disarms
the warrior in you-Respond gently when you are confronted and
you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will
only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of
even the wisest of men? (Proverbs 15:1, TPT)
·
Jesus
restores the fugitive in you-You empower me for victory with
your wrap-around presence. Your power within makes me strong to subdue, and by
stooping down in gentleness you strengthened me and made me great. (Psalm 18:35,
TPT)
Experience Jesus’ gentle grace in your own
life, and give it to others you meet.
“Gentleness is far more
successful in all its enterprises than violence. Indeed violence generally
frustrates its own purpose while gentleness scarcely ever fails.” (John
Locke)[i]
[i] Inspired by the sermon
“Gentle Jesus: The Gentle Way,” (installment one) Sunday July 12, 2020,
Pastor Dave Jansen. All CenterPoint churches are closed due to the Coronavirus,
and are meeting online at 10am at the CenterPoint Church Main Page on Facebook.)
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