Jesus to you and me: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Matt. 11:29
Lord Jesus, I wish “gentleness and humility” could be learned in an online crash-course. Or that they came in pill form or were like a chocolate protein powder we could mix into our coffee or water bottle. I so wish your beautiful, kind heart was easily acquired. We can’t earn it; but effort is involved. The good news is, we’ll have it fully on the Day you return and glorify us.
But until that most blessed Day, becoming like you involves spending time with you in fellowship and adoration, and walking with friends who deeply love you. It also requires learning from you in the school of Spirit conviction, quicker repentances, and the riches of your grace.
In what arenas of life do I crave greater humility and gentleness? My list comes quickly. Add to it, Jesus.
- Gentle me in my primary and most precious relationships. To get irritated is to be human; to be self-aware enough to own it and repent is a work of your Spirit. To be genuinely “sweet” and loving is to be like you.
- Gentle me as I seek to love and honor you in this culture of political madness, meanness in general, and kindness-void diatribe. It’s wearing me down and out, Jesus.
- Gentle me as I keep bumping into the control I don’t have, limits I need to honor, and constant cravings that can only be met in and by you, Jesus.
Thank you for your grace, gentleness, and sovereignty And thank you for friends who make growing older and growing in grace a shared journey—a mutual encouragement-fest and a life of deep, sweet hope. So Very Amen.