“For I Am Gentle”
Did you know that Charles Wesley was a preacher, too? He wrote about 6,000 hymns but in November 1742, a riot broke out in Staffordshire, England. The riot was to protest the preaching of Charles Wesley. John and Charles Wesley were changing some church traditions, and that was more than some could stand.
When John heard about the riots, he immediately went to Staffordshire to help his brother. An unruly crowd surrounded where John was staying, but John met them face to face. John spoke with them so calmly and honestly that their anger disappeared. John Wesley’s gentle and quiet spirit calmed the mob.
Jesus says in Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” John Wesley was teaching the crowd what he had learned from Jesus.
Paul told us we are to live differently from non-believers. Our lives are to be holy and set apart and devoted to God. (Ephesians 4:20-24) The words we choose are to be truthful, designed to build up and encourage. When we dwell in the Holy Spirit, we put away abusive language with angry and harsh words. (vv. 29-31) We are to forgive as God has forgiven us. (Colossians 3:13) We are forgiven by the Father when we are willing to forgive others. The forgiven believer in Jesus is a forgiving person. (Matthew 6:12)
“To be gentle and patient” is impossible for us, but by the fruit of the spirit, the gentleness of Christ can set us apart and equip us to face a hostile world. When we act in a mild manner, we fulfill Paul’s words, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Philippians 4:5)
Prayer – Lord, remind me that Jesus displayed a heart of gentleness and compassion to His enemies. Teach me how to speak and treat those around me, especially when discussions get heated. Thank you for sending Jesus to each of us to be our teacher and example. Amen.
Matthew 11:29 –“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: Joshua Woroniecki & Tim Mossholder, courtesy of Unsplash