Devotions: The Blessings of Being Gentle

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This is one of the few verses in the New Testament, quoted from Psalm 37:11, that promises something earthly. When it says they shall inherit the earth, it is not giving a promise for health/wealth/prosperity, but it is saying that the gentle will have earthly as well as heavenly blessings. It may not be extreme wealth, continually abundant health, or abnormal success, but there will be gain. Even though gentleness, or meekness, is criticized and put down by those of the world, at the same time it is also rewarded by the world. No matter what our situation, every relationship we have will benefit from our gentleness. It provides a natural step up in the favor of all. Gentleness is not merely being soft, nor does it mean being a push-over. Gentleness is that quietness of spirit which is not easily riled or offended. It is humble before God and others. It remains calm when others heat up or explode. It is rational when others let their emotions run away with them. That is not to say that it is heartless without emotion or feeling, because that is just as ungodly as being controlled by emotions. But rather in having emotions, it is not led by them. It is ready to forgive and willing to move on rather than taking things personally or holding on to them. Everyone benefits from being gentle and being around others who are. Employers prefer employees who are willing to work, are easy to instruct and work with, and do not cause drama. Employees also prefer to work for employers who are forgiving and generous and do not blow up over mistakes. Families enjoy better relationships from hearts of gentleness as opposed to strife, anger or resentment. It is also beneficial to one’s health, of which my own father is an example of the reverse and he learned a valuable lesson from it. He is the kind of person who is easily worked up and dwells on what upsets him. Six hours after a fairly contentious meeting, he was flown to a major hospital on the other side of the state with an aneurysm. Praise God he lived! But he also learned what a danger a life of strife can be. It is clear how gentleness can promote favor in every area of one’s life. Seek a heart of gentleness, be meek, and be blessed!