A Gentle, Humble Heart.

Jesus said: "'for I am gentle and humble in heart.'"  Matthew 11:29 (NRSV)

You may ask how we can live as gentle, humble people in a world filled with violence and fear.

Brainwashing, coercion, intimidation, force, torture, persecution, and violence confront us daily.

We are constantly at war.

How can we not retaliate?

How can we not defend ourselves?

How can we not become tough and cynical?

The answer comes from Jesus:

"'Do not resist an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek turn the other also.'"  Matthew 5:39 (NRSV)

"'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"  Matthew 5:44 (NRSV)

So we can remain non-violent in the face of violence.

And we can remain gentle and humble in heart.

If we practise forgiveness and unconditional love.

And maintain a loving heart.

Then whenever others threaten to overwhelm us we can cry out to God for help!

He will hear.

And deliver us.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: Neal. Flickr via Compfight cc

(The image has been slightly modified.)