Dec. 16: Gentleness by Harriet Able

“Truly, I say to you – unless you turn and become like children – you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthews 18:3)

“Let the children alone, do not hinder them from coming to me for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. (Matthew 19:4)

In these verses, Jesus reminds us to be gentle and kind by modeling the soul and heart of children. Indeed, we can learn much from very young children who often are gentle, respectful, and kind. For example, a toddler will bring a treasured “lovey” such as a blanket or stuffed animal to a peer who is crying and distressed. And children as young as 18 months will seek out a trusted caregiver, whether it be a parent or teacher to come and help a peer in distress. These very young children often embody those principles highlighted in our golden rule: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

One of the many traits I love about children is that they are so gentle in their acceptance of persons with differences. The gentle spirit of a child reminds me of a preschooler who modeled gentleness and kindness on her friends with disabilities. One afternoon on Franklin Street I observed this child and her peers being engaged by a lady who was asking every child about the ice cream flavor they had chosen. The lady, not meaning to be exclusive, did not ask two children with disabilities – one of whom was in a wheelchair with an electronic communication board and another child who used sign language. But my preschool “gentle shero” gently reminded the lady that she also needed to ask her two other friends. This child modeled inclusiveness through love, respect, compassion, and gentleness to her friends who were “different”.

The above scenarios model what Jesus did daily. There are numerous accounts of Jesus’ miracles of healing demonstrating his compassion and gentleness in the New Testament (Luke 7: 22; Luke 8:40-56; John 9:5-12). Jesus clearly had compassion – he not only healed but also gently and kindly included everyone. Two well-known examples of Jesus’ compassion, gentleness, and inclusiveness are in his interactions with Mary Magdalene and Zaccheus. Jesus was perceptive and realized both were outsiders and socially isolated. Mary Magdalene allegedly was a woman of “ill repute” and Zacheus was the dreaded tax collector. But, as always, Jesus was the good shepherd and gently reached out to both and clearly loved and respected them.

I am constantly challenged about how I can exemplify that gentle spirit and be the “salt” of the earth as our Pastors have encouraged us to be. When I see an individual who is without housing, disabled, or “different” in some way – I always must remind myself to be gentle and kind because God loves them and so should I! Jesus’ parable of the good shepherd in John 10 is a mantra for me to remember to be gentle, kind, and inclusive with all persons I encounter. As Jesus so aptly reminds us: “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep”, John 10:11.

Prayer: Father – help me to have the gentle and quiet spirit you have exemplified so well in your son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for continued opportunities to be gentle and kind to others. Help me to be perceptive about others’ needs and be a gentle and kind good shepherd. Forgive me for being self-absorbed about my own worries and needs and help me to model gentleness and kindness for your glory.” Amen

Harriet Able