Gentle and Humble in Heart

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus spoke of His true character as Lord and Savior. The word ‘gentle’ is the same word ‘meek’. It means a quiet spirit. It is patience in the face of difficulties, trials, and opposition. It is not the surrender of one’s rights and it is not cowardice. It does not mean weakness. It is self-control over one’s temperament and emotions.

Jesus was the very model of gentleness. No man endured more suffering with patience that Jesus. He did not demand His rights when being wronged by others, neither did He abuse the rights of others to the preservation of His own. 

Gentleness receives the injuries of others in the belief that God will vindicate His own. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19). Because of this attitude, the one gentle in heart seeks peace with others and offers peace to them.

A humble person is a ‘lowly’ person, a word seldom used now days. The humble soul does not seek notoriety or fame. “Fools names, like fools faces, always seen in public places” my mother use to say. The humble person is not arrogant and demanding. He prefers others over himself and seeks to lift others up rather than himself.

The Apostle Paul wrote, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). So, to be gentle and humble is to express the Lordship of Jesus in one’s life. This is something every Christian should strive for - not to be gentle or humble, but to let the Holy Spirit live in and minister through the person - He will produce the gentleness of heart and humbleness of spirit in us. How does that happen? Paul also wrote, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20).

To be ‘crucified’ with Christ is a conscious act of the will. It is setting aside ‘what I want’ in favor of ‘what Jesus wants in me and for me’. It is saying with Jesus, “Father, not my will, but Your will be done.” Hard to do? Not really. It is simply saying to the Lord, “I love you more than anything and anyone” and then living life in light of that love.

“Lord Jesus, may my life reflect the genuine love I have for You. May Your Holy Spirit create in me an attitude of humility and a heart of gentleness toward others that they will see You instead of me. To Your glory and praise I ask, Amen.”

Pastor