“Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
Being gentle goes beyond a mere adherence to etiquette and ways of dressing. It is an outward sign of a meek and humble heart, and a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This form of gentleness is key to finding rest for our souls and is one of our ultimate proofs that we have learnt from Jesus as we shall see below.
Jesus said “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Jesus’ invitation for us to come learn from Him is rooted in who He says He is; “gentle and humble in heart”. The Bible also adds that “It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master (Matthew 10:25)”. Therefore, if we have truly learnt from our Teacher, we will be just as He is – gentle and humble at heart”. Gentleness is not an exclusive title men must strive to be addressed with. Women are also advised thus: “Your adornment must not be merely external– braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious (of great price) in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-5). Our primary calling is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). How much of Christ is formed in us is made evident by our gentle and humble nature.
A special blessing reserved for the gentle is that they inherit the earth. If we don’t take the whole of Scripture into consideration, this blessing for the gentle may seem far-fetched. For at present, the gentle as well as the rough and violent ‘inherit’ the earth together. There are some violent men who possess large “inheritances” of portions of the earth that some gentle folks don’t have. Therefore the blessings of gentleness cannot be limited to just our present state. Here is truth: Jesus is coming soon, and He’s going to set His kingdom on this very earth (not another one), where He shall rule the nations with His saints for a thousand years (see Revelation 20:1-6). He shall restore the earth to its glory, where the lamb and lion will lie together and nothing will hurt or destroy (see Isaiah 11). This is before the earth passes away, and a new heaven and earth is made (Read Revelation 21). If we have learned of Jesus, we will be like him, gentle and humble at heart, and we will get to reign with Him, as the gentle do inherit the earth.
Kwadwo Omari
© 2015