By Sandy Morgenthal
I read this in my Sixty Days of Prayer devotional by Sabra: “Gentleness is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength under control.”
The world suggests strength as a physical/mental quality that gives a person power; a power that always makes winning its goal. We all know someone who believes this is the meaning of strength and courage. There are those who would use this power and strength to the detriment of others. That doesn’t mean they are necessarily cruel people. They may be unaware of the impact of their decisions in their drive to succeed. We don’t understand it; how they appear to succeed. Winning at all costs is not God’s way.
Job 21:7 NIV: “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?”
God’s Word puts forth a quite different expression of strength. It is spiritual power over the mental and physical aspects of a person, that takes on an image of sacrifice and humility. Our culture may recognize and admire it in others, but it is not an image worldly people want to pursue.
Isaiah 40:29 NIV: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Now there are quite a few truly gentle yet strong people in my life, thanks to the friendships I have developed at Mount Carmel. Their goal is to always show restraint in adversity, and calm when anger would prevail. We are able to draw close in our common values and goals to show love and give our service to our church and our fellow believers. These friendships increase faith in the ability of man to be strong and still be kind. They reflect what Jesus modeled for us, a mind and a body willing to be led by our Creator, to sacrifice the need to be right or justified, and the need to make a show of strength.
Genesis 24:27 NKJV: “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth; I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”
This is also how God develops His Character in us. He draws people together to worship Him and to support each other in life. He uses His Word and His people to help us grow in wisdom and humility. He knew we would need the help and love of each other to gain knowledge and understanding of Him. His plan for us always included us being strong and wise in our strength; a strength with a purpose, formed together.
My friend Barb sent me this quote today that captures what I’m talking about:
“Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.” -William Cowper
Your ‘You are very much loved! message is from Matthew 5:5 ESV: “ Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
