Hope Singapore: Greatness Of JesusSample

The Greatness of God: The Greatness of Jesus' Gentleness In the Old Testament, God is often mistakenly seen as a God of wrath, who pronounces judgement on the ones who have sinned and turned against Him. It is true that God in His holiness punishes sin; but our God is also a God who is kind and compassionate. Isaiah praises God for His compassion and many kindnesses (Isaiah 63: 6-8). Jeremiah praises God for loving His people with everlasting love and unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3) To His people who have gone wayward, God comforts them and promises restoration. (Isaiah 40:1-2) The gentleness of God is expressed through His great compassion and love for His people who are formed from dust. (Psalm 103: 13-14) As God's representative, the Messianic King, Jesus came in humility and gentleness as a revelation of who God is (Zec 9:9 ). Although He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, He came as a King who is gentle and humble in the heart (Matthew 11:29). Jesus also showed extraordinary gentleness to sinners. While the crowd demanded for the woman caught in adultery to be stoned, Jesus asked those who have never sinned to cast the first stone. (John 8:3-11) In His kindness and compassion, Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, neither did He ignore or condone her sin. Instead, He told her to leave her life of sin. What comfort it brings to those who are repentant before a gentle God! Because Jesus is gentle, His people are to be gentle in order to bear witness to who He is. Through His gentleness, believers are channels of comfort to those who are in distress. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) We are also clothed with the “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col 3:12) of Christ to share His message of gentleness with among us. REFLECTION • How do you feel when you know that Jesus is gentle towards you all the time even in your sins and weaknesses? • How can you apply the attitude of gentleness towards a fellow believer or an unbelieving listener in your marketplace?