3 Questions to Start the DaySample

Question 3: Will I Be Gentle with Fellow Sinners Today?

Attitude: Gentleness

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. - Matthew 5:5 NIV.

When Jesus said blessed are the meek, the attitude he addressed was gentleness toward people. In Jesus’ day, the word meek in Matthew 5:5 was used of a wild stallion that had been broken in. The horse had become “meek or gentle.” Also, those who were polite, courteous, and considerate in the First Century were often called, “meek.”

To many, meek sounds like weak. But Jesus was referring to strength under control. Meekness is having the power or authority but refusing to use it. This Beatitude reminds me of a story Jesus told about a servant who was forgiven a debt of millions of dollars. When the man met a fellow servant who owed him a few dollars, he was unwilling to forgive the paltry debt. The first servant showed lack of meekness or gentleness to a fellow sinner (Matthew 18:21-35).

When we are truly gentle, we remember that greatly forgiven people forgive greatly. How do you relate to this third question? Are you gentle with sinners, even those who sin repeatedly against you? Or are you far too often harsh and hard like the unforgiving servant?

The Lord Jesus is not calling for a group of insipid, milquetoast followers. Meek Christ-followers are not doormats. They are those who keep their strength in check. Most importantly, they are people who extend graciousness to less-than-perfect fellow pilgrims.

Stop and review your relationship with those closest to you: your spouse, your son or daughter, your parents. If I interviewed them, would they say you were treating them gently? If I asked the people at work whether they considered you a gentle person, what would they say? When you bump into people who irritate you, how do you react? Do you insist on your own rights? Do you act as if you are perfect? Or do you treat people who annoy you or disappoint you with grace—better than they deserve?

If your reaction to this review is the same as mine, you’ll know that this is an area for growth. Allow this response to drive you to your knees in dependence on God (back to your first question for the day). Remember that you are never more like your Heavenly Father than when you treat a sinner with great grace.

The Gentle and Lowly One

When Jesus described who he really was (and is), he said to his disciples, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29). You will never be more like Jesus than when, like him, you gently treat fellow sinners better than they deserve, and take the humble place.

Asking the three questions from the first three Beatitudes will start you on a journey to an authentic spirituality that pleases God. You will inherit the earth.

Reflection:

Why is it so difficult to be gentle with people who offend us?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, gentle and humble in heart, teach me Your way of meekness. Help me to yield control, to trust Your justice, and to walk in quiet strength. May I inherit not the fleeting power of this world, but the eternal peace of Your kingdom. Amen.