Gentle Strength

If you’ve ever met me, you know that I love dragonflies. If you’ve spoken to me at length, you’ve heard me say dragonflies make me happy. Strangers, witnessing my dragonfly accessories have asked why I like them. My typical response is, “people misunderstand dragonflies, they fear them for no reason”. Dragonflies are beautiful and have purpose. I did some research on my favorite  insect and discovered facts that I had not previously known. Dragonflies are agile and nimble, they  can fly in any direction. Contrary to popular belief, they do not sting. Dragonflies are strong, they are able to accelerate with tremendous force in comparison to their body size. They can generate lift as much as seven times their body weight. Dragonflies are precise and have strong intellect, they catch up to 97% of their targets. Dragonflies are quick, they can fly up to 35 miles per hour. They are among the strongest insects in the arthropod kingdom. These unique, aesthetically pleasing creatures with iridescent light-weight wings, bring to mind two words, gentle strength.

 Jesus is the ultimate example of gentle strength. Our Lord and Savior modeled those words throughout his life, ministry and the sacrificing His life on Calvary. Jesus, Who was fully God, Who is ALL powerful, met the needs of all He encountered without regard ton their worthiness. At all times, He demonstrated the power of gentleness by feeding the hungry, forgiving sin, healing the sick, and providing for their needs. The Word of God, speaks of the gentle strength of our loving, kind Savior (Isaiah 42:3, Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1). It has been said that God’s children exemplify the true nature of their Father when they are compassionate and tender; while holding firm to His commands and expectations. It takes great strength to be gentle, doing so requires graciously dealing with the limitations and weaknesses of others. Jesus exercised gentle strength as He, The Truth, spoke the Truth in love; even when no-one wanted to hear it and when it was difficult or painful. 

Gentle strength can only be achieved through God’s transforming power in the lives of His children. Gentleness has been defined as strength under control. Gentleness is powerful. It assuages conflict and tension (Proverbs 15:1). It breeds respect (Proverbs 11:6). It communicates love (Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 6:4). Gentleness depicts one’s yielded-ness to The Holy Spirit. It exemplifies one’s relatedness to Jesus (Matthew 11:29). It is a sign of godliness. Gentle strength requires humility, like Jesus exhibited throughout His life and ministry. It takes strength not to get easily angered by disrespect, evil and unbelief. It takes strength not to seek revenge for the wrong done to you. It takes strength never to be prideful when you know you are powerful. Jesus exhibited gentle strength in all He did regardless of the way He was treated by others. 

Gentle strength is inner strength. Jesus knew Who and Whose He was and knowing that made Him strong. When you and I know who and Whose we are, we do not have to fall to the distractions of the enemy. When you know who and Whose you are, you know that you have been changed (1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17), you know you have been chosen (Ephesians 1:4), you know you have been forgiven (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:9). When you know who and Whose you are, you know are loved (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 4:19) and when you know who and Whose you are you know you are strong (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, 1 John 2:14).  When you and I know who and Whose we are remember that nothing can ever separate us from our Heavenly Father (Romans 8:31-39). Jesus is the ultimate example of gentle strength, He is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29). Jesus, The Son of the Omnipotent God is our infinitely compassionate Savior. To have all power yet exercise mercy takes strength, gentle strength. 

It took gentle strength for our Savior to leave Glory to come live on earth as a human, just to save you and me. It took gentle strength to reconcile an undeserving people to a loving God. It took gentle strength to provide you and me with the opportunity to be in relationship with The Father. It took gentle strength for Jesus to selflessly sacrifice His life for you and for me so that we might have eternal life. My sisters, I am determined to follow the examples of our Savior and live my life with gentle strength. 

Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s devotion:

Describe in less than 250 words how you embody gentle strength.

List three was you will intentionally exhibit gentle strength throughout the month.

Describe how exhibiting gentle strength can promote positive relationships in less than 250 words.

Describe in less than 250 words what symbolizes gentle strength for you?

Choose a passage of scripture from this devotion to meditate on

throughout the month.