A Gentle Savior

gentleness - A Gentle Savior

Take My yoke upon you . . . , for I am gentle and humble in heart. Matthew 11:29, NIV

The Gospel writers used various words and phrases to describe the Messiah: filled with grace, compassionate, loving are but a few examples. But Christ described Himself using the words gentle and humble. He must have wanted to underscore this characteristic about Himself. I (David) wonder if He would underscore this characteristic in me as well.

Christ demonstrates the truth of His description of Himself time and again.

He addresses Martha with tenderness and affection, yet He gently reminds her that fellowship with Him is a matter of priorities: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed” (Luke 10:41-42).

Christ weeps over Jerusalem as He looks into the future and sees her inevitable pain. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . , how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Luke 13:34, NIV).

Jesus calls the woman with the disease of blood “Daughter” as He heals her body and gives back her lifelong dreams (Mark 5:25-34).

And finally, Christ gently prepares Peter for his fall with, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32, NIV).

Gentleness is not often valued in our fast-paced, go-for-it society. Getting our own way and asserting our own rights seem to be more in vogue. But to be like Christ, I must convey tenderness and warmth. I must not call attention to myself or demand from others.

The Savior of the universe, the King of kings, and the Lion of Judah described Himself as gentle and humble of heart. It is only fitting that I, a sinner saved by grace, pursue the same for myself.

How can you demonstrate Christ’s gentleness to your spouse today?