Gentleness

Gentleness

Bible: Ephesians 4:1-6

Be completely humble and gentle (V.2).

Going through hard times can make us feel out of sorts. We get cranky and short-tempered with our friends and family, saying unkind things because we’re caught up in our own issues. But things getting tough isn’t an excuse for us to stop loving those we know.

The New Testament has a word for the attitude that can help us handle our frustration towards others when things are going wrong—gentleness. Gentleness is all about being kind and looking out for others. Ephesians 4:2 reminds us: “Be completely humble and gentle.”

Gentleness is being willing to accept problems without taking out our irritation on others. It shows thanks for things other people do and patience for those who we don’t get on with. It doesn’t react angrily when people are mean to us, but has the calmness to step back and talk with God first. Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart” (MATT. 11:29). If we ask Him, He will, over time, help us to live in the same way. As we read about His life in the Bible, we’ll get to know exactly what gentleness is and how it treats other people. Why not read through Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial and execution to see what His gentleness looked like during His most painful time?

What I’m Thankful for…

Dear Jesus, I want to be gentle and humble like You. Please help me to be kind to others today, no matter how I feel.

AS WE GET TO KNOW JESUS BETTER, WE’LL BECOME MORE LIKE HIM

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries