gentleness – Moment to Moment (Bible blog)

Jesus’ patience

I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (John 16:12-13)

I wonder how many times Jesus says that to me. How many things does he yet have to tell me, but I’m not ready to hear it.

And yet Jesus doesn’t scold me for not being ready yet. He patiently waits. And as I continually open my heart to him, in his time, his Spirit will tell me the things I need to know.

Jesus you know my heart. You know what I’m ready to hear and what I’m not ready to hear. Thank you for your patience and gentleness toward me.

Continue to prepare my heart to hear your words. Help me to keep a soft heart towards you.

Holy Spirit, I open my heart to you. In your time, lead me into all truth, even though it may be hard to hear.

And Jesus, help me to show the same patience and gentleness you’ve given me to those around me.

The gentleness and humility of wisdom

Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness (humility, NIV) that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

I couldn’t help think but think of those words (and all of James 3) as I read this passage.

True wisdom in a teacher or a leader of any sort is shown by that person’s gentleness and humility, both in their actions and their words.

Gideon showed great gentleness and humility with the Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3).

But as for the rest of the chapter, not so much.

Instead he was wrapped up with desires of revenge for how people had treated him (4-17) and how they had treated his family (18-21).

Gideon also got caught up in his own selfish ambition (22-32).

Even in rejecting the Israelites request that he become their king, he acted like one, asking for the people’s gold, and taking on many wives like the kings of the times.

And despite his pious words of God being king and Israel serving him, he made an ephod (Exodus 28:3-8) for himself, and basically set up his own place of worship with himself as a priest. As a result, he turned many people away the Lord. (27).

As James said,

Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (James 3:15)

Gideon was a spring from which both fresh and salt water flowed through his actions as well as his words. (James 3:11)

May we not be that way. As leaders in our families, at work, at church, or whatever position of leadership we may hold, let us be marked by the humility and gentleness that comes from wisdom. What does that look like?

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. (James 3:17-18)