Loving Others: Devotions From Time Of Graceنموونە

Jesus is gentleness

The God who rained water on Noah’s world and burning sulfur on Sodom’s world can indeed be stern and violent. At the same time he can be gentle as a lamb. Isaiah had prophesied that the coming Savior would have a gentle touch with broken sinners.

One such woman, caught in adultery, expected to be stoned to death. Jesus rebuked the hypocrisy of her accusers and attackers, and they slunk away. She expected at least a severe tongue-lashing from the Teacher, but instead she got a second chance and a helpful admonition: “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’” (John 8:10,11).

He himself was fully human and experienced everything we must go through--physical exhaustion, severe satanic temptation, verbal and physical abuse, and hate-filled condemnation by the very authorities who were supposed to protect him. He knows our weaknesses and does not despise us for them. Even his rebukes are meant not to beat us down but to steer us away from spiritual suicide.

His goal is not condemnation but restoration. Let his gentle voice comfort your heart. Let his gentle tone be in your voice when you speak to other sinners.