Know Me—Release the Lie and Embrace God.Sample

Know His gentleness.

A note to the listener: Watch the encouraging video first, and then reflect using the in-depth devotional below. Tap the play button to hear Wendy read the devotional to you!

When you were a child, did an adult ever tell you, “It’s a harsh world out there. You have to be tough to survive!”? Unfortunately, they weren’t wrong. The world is home to cruelty, greed, and all kinds of evil. It’s so easy to believe the lie that God is harsh, too! Do you know someone who believes that right now?

Maybe there have been times in your walk with the Lord when you pictured Him like an angry father. Have you ever wanted to hide from God so He wouldn’t be mad at you? Have you ever wondered if He would hurt you the way others have?

It’s time to turn away from that lie. Instead, embrace this truth with me: God is not harsh. He’s gentle and trustworthy.

In John 10:11, Jesus called Himself “the good shepherd” because He’s willing to give His life for His sheep. Imagine that. We are God’s sheep, and He takes good care of us.

He won’t beat you, cruelly.

He won’t neglect you.

He won’t take advantage of you.

He will never abandon you.

He’ll gently guide you to safe places.

He wants you to thrive.

He’ll protect you.

He’ll feed you.

He enjoys spending time with you.

There is real danger in the world for those who won’t let the Shepherd come close. Wolves come to attack. Pitfalls and hazards threaten to overtake them. Without God’s guidance, you and I would wander into danger and be lost. Do you know anyone who is being attacked in life right now? Pause, and let God put someone on your heart. Is she wandering without the security and protection of the Good Shepherd? Can you imagine the fear, the loneliness, and the pressure of feeling alone in the world—like you must protect yourself because no one else will?

The world is tough, but aren’t you glad You don’t need to toughen up or harden your heart against the Good Shepherd? The all-powerful creator-God is the most gentle one of all. He is the one safe place to let down your guard fully. He, unlike people, can be trusted with everything.

Jesus refers to Himself in Matthew 11:29 as gentle and humble in heart. Go ahead… let Him into the deep and tender places of your heart…

Even the parts still healing from stubborn wounds.

Even the parts you don’t like to think about.

Even the parts that confuse and scare you.

Let Him meet you there.

In the Bible, there’s a story about a woman who couldn’t stop bleeding. As Jesus walked through a town, crowds of needy people surrounded Him. This brave woman pressed through the group, determined to touch Him. She needed healing—she had been bleeding for twelve years! Determined, she broke through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ clothing. She was immediately healed. And Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

Your suffering is over! How relieved she must have felt. Would you have had the same determination as this woman? Would you have been frightened to come forward—afraid of being shamed, scolded, or disappointed? So many people are afraid to reach out to Jesus. But He’s gentle—you can come to Him boldly, trusting that He loves you. And, you can share His truth with others:

God’s gentle arms are strong enough to carry you.

God’s gentleness does not mean that He’s weak.

He’s powerful—but He doesn’t use that power to dominate or coerce.

Instead, He generously and gently loves you.

He can tenderly heal the hurting places in your heart, starting today.

Remember the times God has been faithful. Remember the hard times He has brought you through. Trust that He can and will do it again—for you and also for your friends.

This is the challenge I want to leave you with today: reach out to a friend who hasn’t experienced God’s gentleness. Maybe she hasn't met the Good Shepherd yet. Or maybe she’s believed the lie—that He’s not good, but harsh and cruel.

Introduce her to the real Jesus—the gentle and strong one. Invite her to the safety of Jesus’ embrace. It’s as simple as sharing what He’s done for you.

Let’s pray.

Jesus, thank You for being my gentle Shepherd. Your mighty power tenderly blesses me; it doesn’t harm me. Your kindness brings me healing. Help me share the truth about who You really are. Help me spread the Good News of Your gentleness to those who have been treated harshly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.