Power Under Control
"Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people." - Titus 3:1-2
What comes to mind when you hear the word "gentleness"? Maybe you think of softness or weakness, like someone who is too timid or too easily pushed around. But true gentleness is nothing like that. In fact, gentleness, according to the Bible, is defined as "power under control." It’s the ability to remain calm, humble, and loving in situations where you could exert force or authority.
Paul writes in Titus and again in 2 Timothy that we are to demonstrate gentleness toward others. This isn’t just about being polite, it’s about choosing to restrain your strength to bring life and peace to others. It’s easy to retaliate when someone wrongs you or to assert dominance in an argument. But it takes true strength to act gently, especially when you know you could overpower the situation.
Think of Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, saying, "Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart." Jesus was no weakling. He possessed all authority and power, yet He chose to live a life of gentleness, showing mercy and grace to those around Him. His gentleness didn’t come from a place of weakness but from controlled power.
Maybe you’ve been in situations where you felt like flexing your strength, whether that’s through harsh words, a critical attitude, or using your position to get your way. It’s in these moments that God calls you to gentleness.
Living a life of gentleness means recognizing the power God has given you and using it to bring life and peace to those around you. It’s not about suppressing who you are or letting people walk all over you. It’s about choosing to be more like Jesus, responding in love and humility, and allowing your power to be under God’s control.
So, how can you live this out today? In what ways can you show gentleness to the people around you? When you feel like you have the upper hand, remember, gentleness isn’t about being weak—it’s about using your strength in a way that honors God and blesses others.
What comes to mind when you hear the word "gentleness"? Maybe you think of softness or weakness, like someone who is too timid or too easily pushed around. But true gentleness is nothing like that. In fact, gentleness, according to the Bible, is defined as "power under control." It’s the ability to remain calm, humble, and loving in situations where you could exert force or authority.
Paul writes in Titus and again in 2 Timothy that we are to demonstrate gentleness toward others. This isn’t just about being polite, it’s about choosing to restrain your strength to bring life and peace to others. It’s easy to retaliate when someone wrongs you or to assert dominance in an argument. But it takes true strength to act gently, especially when you know you could overpower the situation.
Think of Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, saying, "Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart." Jesus was no weakling. He possessed all authority and power, yet He chose to live a life of gentleness, showing mercy and grace to those around Him. His gentleness didn’t come from a place of weakness but from controlled power.
Maybe you’ve been in situations where you felt like flexing your strength, whether that’s through harsh words, a critical attitude, or using your position to get your way. It’s in these moments that God calls you to gentleness.
Living a life of gentleness means recognizing the power God has given you and using it to bring life and peace to those around you. It’s not about suppressing who you are or letting people walk all over you. It’s about choosing to be more like Jesus, responding in love and humility, and allowing your power to be under God’s control.
So, how can you live this out today? In what ways can you show gentleness to the people around you? When you feel like you have the upper hand, remember, gentleness isn’t about being weak—it’s about using your strength in a way that honors God and blesses others.
Subscribe
If you were blessed by or directly benefited from this content, please subscribe to receive receive daily devotions to your inbox.
No Comments