Breakfast Club Devotion #6: Blessed Are the Gentle

Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” Gentleness is a defining characteristic of Jesus’ interactions with people, and a quality that we should seek in our relationships. The concept is similar to humility.

I would say that gentleness applies more to our way of interacting with or responding to others, whereas humility has to do with the self, the attitude toward and posture of the self in the interaction with others. Jesus lowered himself (humility) to take on flesh and be among us, and even further by his sacrificial death on the cross. In his gentleness, he was able to relate to and respond to the other in even the most broken circumstance. The importance of gentleness in human interaction is directly proportional to the vulnerability, brokenness, or even lowliness of the counterpart.

In three cases of the New Testament uses of the word gentle, it is combined with the Greek word for humble, or humility. The literal meaning is to lower, to make low, to humble oneself, or, humility. One of these cases is Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” Jesus gentle approach is evident in his response to the woman caught in sin that was brought to him by the teachers and religious leaders. Sensing her humiliated and vulnerable position, he related to her in love and gentleness. (John 8)

Note Matthew 12:18-20. Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put my spirit upon Him, and He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel, nor cry out; nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.” (from Isaiah) Think about it … what is a battered reed? What is a smoldering wick? Jesus will not abuse, cast aside, or discard the vulnerable ones. He exhibits humility and gentleness in relating to the other.

Scripture teaches that gentleness should characterize our response to others. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh work stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) Also, Ephesians 4:1-2 – “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love…” and Galatians 6:1 – “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Other New Testament occurrences of the Greek word used for gentle in Matthew 5:5 include the following:

Matthew 21:5 – Say to the daughters of Zion, behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.
1 Peter 3:4 – Let (your adornment) be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:15 – Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
1 Corinthians 4:21 – What do you desire? That I should come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
2 Corinthians 10:1 – Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when you are absent!
Titus 3:2 – Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Colossians 3:12 – And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…
2 Timothy 2:24-26 – And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
James 1:21 – Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13 – Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Πράϋς or here, όί πραεις, or as a quality, πραϋτης
Gentle, humble, considerate, meek, unassuming, or, as a quality, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness.

Sparrow's Nest Annual Banquet

We had a great evening April 30 as about 125 people gathered to celebrate the Sparrow’s Nest Ministry. Alex and the band shared in worship, Jeremiah shared poetry, Steve and his gang served barbeque and almost 40 weekly volunteers were recognized and applauded for their dedicated service. Five team members shared why they love ministry at the SN. A common theme was Matthew 25 where Jesus spoke to his followers .. “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, thirsty and you gave me drink, naked and you clothed me, a stranger and you invited me in, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to me.”

Our guest Speaker Archie Crenshaw and our Board Chair Wayne Brubaker both shared from the book A Hole in the Gospel, which seems to have a great impact on those who read it. Archie offered great encouragement to our team members by sharing about the pleasure God takes in His children when they share his love with others. We shared ministry statistics indicating that ..
On a monthly basis
-over 100 people use the showers or laundry
-over 130 families are provided with clothing and
-over 450 hot meals are served.
Praise God!