The Mystery of Gentleness and The Way to Love

Timeless clues?

Beloved stories unfold in my mind. First I see the roads Jesus traveled. Then, I overhear conversations with the people he touched. I imagine his smile, his voice, and his Father above. Could it be all the things Jesus said and taught were timeless clues—about the mystery of gentleness and the way to love?

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Meek or weak

While most people wouldn’t appreciate the nickname weak, they probably haven’t even thought about someone describing them as meek. Would you consider that a compliment? The word of God says we should. Scripture regarding meekness refers to the meek as blessed. Meek is not weak. It’s quiet and gentle. And gentle is strong.

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Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:5 NIV

How strong is a gentle heart?

I can’t imagine the horrible pain and injustice Jesus endured nailed to a cross. He took my place and carried my sins, on his shoulders. This humble man bore yours, and the sins of all the world, even those who nailed him to that cross. And then, while hanging there, healing words of forgiveness and paradise sprang out of his parched mouth—not anguish.

Jesus spoke life and hope to everyone he met, even the criminal hanging on a cross next to him. Above all, he asked his father to forgive them. My Savior proved once and for all—there is unexplainable strength in gentleness.

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The Lord is my shepherd.

Shepherds are patient and diligent. They guide, protect, and nurture their flock, even on long, excruciating journeys. The Lord is the shepherd of His people in sickness or health, in valleys and darkest hours. That means He’s with us to the end.

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
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I. Love. You.

At first glance, one might not see how three words, I love you, hold power to heal or hurt, nurture or destroy. However, that phrase is rooted in the person. People change. God stays the same. Have you ever wondered about God’s definition of love? I’d bet it starts with less self camouflaged in a one-letter-word and a lot more sacrifice.

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The Way to Love

If Jesus lived the example of the way to love, why is it such a mysterious thing for us to figure out? He gave straightforward instructions before he went to prepare a place for us.


Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1
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~ Featured image (Bible) by Jeff Jacobs 1990 ~

So . . . if gentleness is not something we can easily acquire, do you think the reward of heaven is worth the effort? Don’t forget to join the conversation here in the comments section. I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories.

Blessings and Love,

JC

Joann Claypoole

Joann Claypoole is an author, speaker, and former spa-girl entrepreneur. She's a wife, mother of four sons, “Numi” to four grandchildren, doggie-mom of two. The award-winning author of The Gardener’s Helper’s (ages 5-9 MJ Publishing2015) would rather be writing, hiking in the mountains, or inviting deer and other wildlife to stay for dinner near her western NC writing retreat. Visit her website: joannclaypoole.com and WordPress blog: https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com/

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8 comments

  1. Thank you for this beautiful post, Joann! So often, if we would stop and breathe in the Holy Spirit, his gentleness would guide us to the gentle response and love Jesus was teaching us. What different outcomes to difficult situations gentle love brings!

    1. So true. He is always the same, ever consistent with His gentle love. We’re blessed to have these priceless lessons ~ Ahh, but do we learn from them? Maybe that’s the real mystery…

    1. Thank you for such kind words, Melissa. It helps that people get the message us messengers share. Our God is beautiful, awesome, and amazing in His gentleness. To Him be the glory and praise.

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