“God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

As a student I loved to sing the song Gentle Spirit! The lyrics reminded me of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus anointing him for ministry. The teaching, miracles, and the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus began and were completed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

His awesome power was manifested in gentleness to children, the marginalized, the sick, and seekers. That infinite power at work in gentle love! Undaunted, undefeated, he unleashed the Kingdom of Heaven among us. The multitudes sought him out.

His gentleness disarmed his enemies so they turned to lies and deceit to rid the world of Jesus. Instead he gently bore the cruelest pain, suffering, and separation from God so that we might be saved. God the Father let go of his Son in order to save us! The kingdom explosively but gently grew despite intense opposition, turning the world right side up.

Wow! It’s the word my generation used to express our awe. Jesus did this for us! No power up, no image management, just moving in sync with the Gentle Holy Spirit. Now he calls you and me to clothe ourselves with gentleness.

“Do you see what a great thing gentleness is, how it stings our hearts more than vehemence? It inflicts indeed a keener wound. For in the case of bodies that have become callous, a blow does not affect the sense so powerfully, but if someone first softens them and makes them tender, then a stab is effective. Likewise, here one must first soften, and that which softens is not wrath, not vehement accusation, not reproach, but gentleness.” Chrysostom

Gentleness is strength. Gentleness is strength under control. Gentleness is power. BUT, it must be authentic. You can fake it until the pressure, the opposition, or jealousy comes. It is at that telling moment that what is really within is manifest without. C. S. Lewis said, “You can’t work out what isn’t within.”

Trust the Holy Spirit to work out what Christ has done in your life.

Peace!