Hi everyone! I want to take a moment to share with you what the Lord is doing in my life right now. As you may know, I have been battling spiritual warfare since the beginning of 2025. I was exhausted all the time from lack of sleep because this is how the enemy has been attacking me- in my dreams. I was also moving in February, so I was definitely tired all the time. After I moved, I felt relaxed and calm again, so I started the Lent devotional (not an excuse for not reading my Bible during that entire time). As we have been going through this, I am aware once again of the enemy’s attacks. For the last few nights, I have been struggling with vivid nightmares and obviously not getting enough sleep. He has been trying to get my eyes fixed on my emotions. He has been trying to kick me down, having me keep my head hung low, and he used a past event as a way to take a knife, stab me low, where it would hurt the most. He has tried to use past fear, shame, guilt, anxiety, and the ones I love most to kick me down and to stay in the spirit of fear. I don’t know about y’all, but I am fed up with him! I fed up with feeling tired, I am fed up feeling fearful, I am fed up feeling anxious- I have had enough! I know who my God is! I know and believe (these are two different thigs) that I am His chosen daughter! The enemy might have won that little scheme of his, but my God has already won the war!
Alright y’all, let’s open our Bibles and read Matthew 11:28-29 & 1 Peter 3:3-4. “As a follower of Christ, our behavior should match the Saviour we serve.”
In a world that often rewards toughness and assertiveness, the call to embrace gentleness can seem countercultural, even radical. Yet, the Bible repeatedly highlights gentleness as a virtue of great strength and beauty. Two verses that underscore this theme are Matthew 11:28-29 and 1 Peter 3:3-4. Together, they present a compelling invitation to trade harshness for the transformative power of gentleness. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus extends a tender invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” Here, Jesus offers rest not through force or dominance but through gentleness and humility. His gentle heart provides a sanctuary for the weary, reminding us that true strength lies in the ability to provide comfort, understanding, and peace to others. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this gentleness. It challenges us to put aside harsh words, critical attitudes, and unforgiving mindsets in favor of compassion, patience, and humility. In doing so, we not only find rest for our own souls but also offer a source of rest and restoration for those around us.
1 Peter 3:3-4 shifts the focus to the heart, emphasizing the value of inner beauty: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” In a society obsessed with external appearances, these verses remind us that true beauty radiates from within. A gentle and quiet spirit reflects a heart aligned with God’s values, one that prioritizes kindness, empathy, and peace over vanity and superficiality. Such a spirit is not weak; it is profoundly powerful, capable of transforming relationships and fostering unity. So, how do we practically live out this call to gentleness? It begins with intentionality. Start by examining your interactions—are your words and actions rooted in love, or do they stem from impatience and frustration? When faced with conflict, choose to listen more and speak less. When confronted with hostility, respond with kindness instead of retaliation. Gentleness also requires a deep reliance on God. As Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, we are reminded that we cannot cultivate gentleness on our own. It is through His strength and guidance that we learn to mirror His gentle heart. Trading harshness for gentleness is not just about personal transformation; it has the potential to impact the world around us. When we embody the gentle spirit of Christ, we become reflections of His love and grace, drawing others to the peace that can only be found in Him. In a world that often feels harsh and unyielding, choosing gentleness is a revolutionary act. It is a decision to value connection over conflict, understanding over judgment, and compassion over condemnation. As Matthew 11:28-29 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 remind us, gentleness is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength and beauty of a life centered on Christ. Let us strive to live out this calling, one gentle word and action at a time. In doing so, we not only honor God but also create ripples of kindness and peace that can change lives.
Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!
- How are you prone to harshness?
- In 1 Peter 3:3-4, why is a gentle and quiet spirit of great worth to God?
- Write a prayer asking God to give you a gentle spirit like Christ.
“The Bible shows us that believers are called, enabled, and empowered to act kindly.”
Today’s verse for Lent prayer is Colossians 2:13-14 and the prayer prompt is, “Praise Jesus for forgiving all of your trespasses and the debt of your sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you walk in light of this forgiveness by turning away from sin.”
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we will discuss Choosing Graciousness over Gossip. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.