Crumbs 29

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 29 : Gentleness

Isaiah 40:9-11 New International Version

9 You who bring good news to Zion,    go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
    lift up your voice with a shout,lift it up, do not be afraid;
    say to the towns of Judah,    “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,    and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;    he gently leads those that have young.

Crumbs

Gentleness is also translated kindness or goodness. In Romans 2: 4 it is described as a characteristic of God of which we should not take advantage . It should lead us to repentance. In Ephesians 2:7 we learn that His kindness is seen in the achievement of our salvation. For those who do repent Romans 11;22 there is divine kindness.

In Romans 3; 12 Paul bemoans that no one shows this quality although we are asked to clothe ourselves with this gentleness in Colossians 3:12. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve to cover their shame and the priests were clothed to qualify them to lead worship. This spiritual clothing is part of a bigger process. In Ephesians 6 we are told to put on the armour of God and in Romans 13:14 we are told to out on Christ. As a person trusts Christ their guilt and shame is covered and protection against the our temptations is acquired but we must give in to the process .

In the passage above from Isaiah the people of God are seen as a flock. The vulnerable are treated with gentleness. In the New Testament similar situations evoke the need for gentleness by the people of God. Jesus our High Preist sets the tone in the way He treats us. Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. . We are taught that the restoration of a sinner should be by gentle means. Galatians 6:1Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Even our enemies should be subjected to the gentle treatment in the hope of their repentance. 2Timothy 2:25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion)1. How do we clothe ourselves with gentleness? 2. How do we act with gentleness when firmness is required? 3. Which of the works of the flesh does gentleness help us combat ?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com