“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.” – Matthew 11:29
When we think of Jesus, we often picture Him as gentle and compassionate, but it’s essential to recognize that His gentleness was not a sign of weakness. Instead, it was a display of immense power under control.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus’ gentleness evident in His interactions with people. He healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and welcomed sinners without condemnation. His power to perform miracles and command nature itself was undeniable, yet He never used this power to oppress or harm others.
One of the most remarkable illustrations of Jesus’ power under control is found in the story of the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders brought her to Jesus, hoping to trap Him in a dilemma. But His response was both gentle and profound. He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
In this moment, Jesus exercised His divine authority to pardon the woman’s sin, but He did so with gentleness and wisdom. His words convicted the accusers of their own sins, leading them to drop their stones and walk away. Jesus’ gentleness disarmed their hostility and revealed His unparalleled power over human hearts.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His gentleness. It doesn’t mean we are weak; rather, it means we choose to exercise our power and authority in a way that reflects His character. Just like Jesus, we can use our influence to bring healing, restoration, and transformation to those around us.
Gentleness is not a passive trait; it requires strength and self-control. It enables us to respond to conflict with grace, to correct with kindness, and to serve with humility. When we walk in gentleness, we mirror the powerful example set by Jesus Himself.
Think of the areas of your life where you can exercise gentleness while also recognizing the power and authority you have in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you use your influence for good, always under His control. Remember that gentleness is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of Christ’s strength working through you.