The Gentille -Transformative Power Underrated!

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The Gentille -Transformative Power Underrated!

Country loves power in any form or iteration.   We vote based on it.  We watch prime time TV shows admiring the protagonists and antagonists vie for it. We are constantly shifting our discussion and actions with others to get an upper hand.  

The love of power is a strong desire to control, influence, or dominate others. It can manifest in various ways, from seeking leadership positions to manipulating situations for personal gain or status. This desire is often driven by a need for control, validation, or a sense of superiority. The secular definition (i.e., attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis) of power is . . .

Secular power is the ability to influence or control others. This can manifest in the following forms:  influencing government policies or decisions, controlling resources or wealth, influencing the behavior or opinions of others, using force in various forms to achieve personal objectives.

Power hungry people will leverage positions of authority, finances, knowledge, and relationships.

It's important to note that power can be used for both positive and negative purposes. While it can be used to promote social justice and progress, it can also be abused to exploit others or maintain unjust systems.

Secular power is a selfish drug that exploits, destroys relationships, and ruins lives. 

Enough on secular power.  Let's shift to God's definition of power. You will see there is a stark contrast between the two.  God wields all power.  He uses it for the betterment of others.  

The last few weeks, I have been highlighting the benefits and directives of the "Fruit of the Spirit". The North Star of the Fruit is to produce behaviors that will help others.  The fruit again:

Galatians 5:22-23
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.

Our focus today is on the word, "Gentleness".   

Gentleness is not a behavior secular power-hungry driven people would describe as being powerful.  Quite the opposite. This is a behavior often associated as a sign of weakness. 

The omnipotent God disagrees with this notion. He sees things differently.

1 Corinthians 1:24-27
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

The Bible defines gentleness as a virtue that involves strength, kindness, and a willingness to yield. It is often associated with humility, meekness, and compassion.

The Greek word used for gentle in Galatians 5:23 is "Prautes".  Its definition is a person who carries the qualities of being humble, meek, considerate, moderate in action, effect, or degree; not harsh or severe.  It is an ability that expresses power with reserve.

The "gentille" (French for a gentle person) must sacrifice what the secular self wants.  However, sacrifice is worth it.  These individuals must be prepared to be enlightened and inspired as they uncover the impact of gentleness, its connection to divine wisdom, and its transformative power in their interpersonal interactions.

Jesus exhibited gentle strength in every interaction. When a Pharisee mocked Him, He could have put him in his place, but Jesus restrained. When He was whipped as an innocent prisoner, He could have broken the whip with one word. When He was dying on the cross and people teased Him, He could have proven them wrong and lived, instead He die for our sins. He chose gentleness. He had full power with full reserve.

Here are some key passages that describe gentleness:

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."   

Matthew 21:4
“Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you.  He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’

Proverbs 15:1: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

1 Peter 3:4
You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?

Gentleness is a quality modeled by Jesus Christ, and it is a critical, non-optional foundation of Christian living.  

Song of the Week - Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"God Did It", 8-16-2024, Mervin Mayo.

A festive, drum driven, uplifting song.  Lyrics in video.








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