Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten Devotionalනියැදිය

Gentleness

It was our third year in the seminary in the year 1995, when one of the students who was suspended because of some misbehaviour, stormed into the graduation ceremony and took hold of the mic to abuse the interim principal and many others in the seminary. It was shocking and we wondered what kind of response would follow? But what we witnessed was so imprinted in our hearts, that demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit namely—Gentleness.

It was indeed a great imitation of the gentleness of Jesus. The Principal, not defending nor showing any agitation about it, got on with the program and then prayed for the graduating students right after the student finished abusing. I was hoping that he would pray for the student or for what had happened or at least try and defend himself in prayer. But it was a prayer of exaltation and adoration of who God is and it was an intercessory prayer for the graduating class. No reference to the incident!

When Jesus was wrongly charged before Pilate, with accusations of Him asking people to rebel against Ceaser by not paying taxes; when the people around the cross were challenging His Messiah-ship and demanded him to show His power; when the thief on the cross ridiculed Him— in all these situations we do not see any bitter or defensive reaction. Instead, he responded by being silent and gently interceding for them as He did not want His father to show His anger on the people. However, interestingly, His response was different when the second thief showed a repentant heart. Jesus immediately spoke and gave him the gift of salvation. He responded favourably in positive circumstances and refrained from responding in the face of false accusation and charges.

How often do we try and justify ourselves when we hear a negative comment? All the good ever said before gets drained down in one negative comment. Gentleness is witnessed evidently in difficult and harsh circumstances and seldom when all is well. Gentleness calls for reasonable thinking and good response even in unreasonable situations. This again is not possible in our own strength. We need His grace to be like Him in gentleness. It is possible only if we depend on him.

I must confess, I tend to try and prove my righteousness and innocence, so others may be convinced. Sometimes, our work will prove us right in due time. But most importantly, the Defender of all that is true will always come to defend. Trusting Him in unfavourable situations will make us gentle. Trusting God and responding to only the positive comments, needs amazing grace. I know that I personally need His grace and that all of us need it. Let’s go to our Savior - Gentle Lord Jesus

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when we are provoked and challenged and when false accusations are brought against us, give us your gentleness to respond, by trusting in your ability to prove us right. Deliver us from the tendency to react and fight in our own strength, and help us to be discerning. Enable us to be silent when we have to and speak only when we need to. Help us by your Spirit today. In Jesus name, Amen.