Would you like to be more gentle and humble? Here is an Online Bible Study about knowing Jesus better and learning to be more like Him.
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29, NLT).
If anyone has the right to NOT be humble, it’s Jesus. This is the guy who fed thousands with just a loaf of bread and a fish, turned water into wine, walked on water, and raised people from the dead. Not a good enough resume? How about this: Through Him all things were made, and from Him all the light that shines emanates! (John 1)
Jesus is God, but nevertheless He “gave up his divine privileges” and “took the humble position of a slave” (Philippians 2:7).
Jesus also has the right to NOT be gentle as he looks around and sees such immorality and lack of faith in the world. Jesus sighed in exasperation at the lack of faith that he saw around him. (Mark 8:12) Yet Jesus is rightly described as being “gentle and humble in heart”. (Matthew 11:29)
We may have many reasons to be proud. Perhaps we have a successful business, or have been blessed with a wonderful family, or have been gifted with a special talent in music or art. Despite this we must remain humble, because “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
And we may have many reasons to be ruthless. Maybe someone treated us unfairly, or we’ve had a really bad day. But “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).
The path to humility and gentleness is clear. The signs all point in the same direction: Allow Jesus to teach us to become more like Him. “I have set you an example,” says Jesus, “that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). It may not happen overnight… or over many nights. But by diligently remaining focused on God’s Word and patiently pondering the life of Christ, it will certainly, perhaps little by little, begin to happen. You too can become humble and gentle at heart.
Father God,
Teach me to be more like you. May I be humble and gentle today in my dealings with others. Amen.
Questions: What does “being humble at heart” mean to you?
About this Author Darren Hewer
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Help That’s Really Help, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
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January 3rd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Pondering, is such a valued word to me. Mary, pondered when told she was giving birth to the saviour as she needed one. Yes, I want the humbleness and crave the gentle spirit and peace. I, believe in Acts when the Holy Spirit, came upon the many men and women, in that upper room they were filled. The indwelling the abiding can only be achieved through our personal relationship. What would Jesus do or say…became famous a few years ago at my church here in Chicago. Someone, said to me..”You are not Jesus, so how would you know?” The invitation and the acceptance of his grace, saved me. My personal relationship, like everyone else’s is sometimes questioned, when we do not humble ourselves and cannot forgive or forget. Because, of the indwelling and abiding can I reflect his image. All glory to him. Sometimes, in church I will think..why can’t I sing, why can’t I write like that, or just why did I do that? The human will, the unseen powers and principalities, are things, are alive and we as humans in Jesus cannot deny these actions.
The armor, walking in peace are steps I take to achieve with my Father daily.
Thank you for the devotional and another way to stand up with a humble heart and in love to declare his righteousness. The world has become a smorgasboard of religions…politically correct is what is taught with tolerance. I choose Jesus as he CHOSE me. I want to look and act like my father. Love to all in 2099..as we await for Our God of Israel to return!! Love in Jesus ToniG
January 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
i pray to be more like Jesus