Day 8 - Let Gentleness Be a Way

“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: 29 

Meditate or Reflect
Just the sound of the word “gentle” inspires a life-sustaining breath, or a brief pause for rest. Gentleness is tenderness, mildness in temper, fairness, moderation, and a sweet reasonableness. Gentleness, as demonstrated by Jesus, is the way in approaching others with humility and a caring spirit, not with force to achieve one’s own way (from Mounce’s Dictionary).  In the verse for today, Jesus invites us to learn from His way – to be gentle and humble in heart. And notice the effect of gentleness: “you will find rest for your souls.” Are you in need of rest? Maybe gentleness is the answer. I think we could all use more gentleness in our words, our thoughts, our demeanor. But God offers us His gentleness every day. Will you take His yoke upon you and learn from Him today? Reflect on the gentleness of God. Take a breath, and focus on the gentle and humble nature of the Lord. Consider the ways He has been gentle with you, and offering you rest.
 
Heart, Mind, and Soul
Tune into how you experience gentleness in your heart. Does gentleness feel like rose petals on your fingertips? Does gentleness feel like an afternoon nap under a shaded tree? How would you like for gentleness to feel in your heart? Let gentleness in your heart be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for gentleness in your heart today.
 
Turn to your thoughts.  Have you practiced gentleness with your thoughts? Do you hold onto criticism – either received from others or s self-critical thoughts?   Are you holding critical thoughts of others? What would gentleness in your thoughts be like?  Let gentleness in your mind be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for gentleness in your thoughts today.
 
Bring your focus to your soul. How is gentleness abiding in your soul in this moment? Take a breath and abide with God’s presence, receiving the gentle yoke He extends to give your soul rest today.
 
God, Self, and Others – Set your intention for today, or make a plan for cultivating gentleness
Will you abide in God’s gentleness toward you today? Abiding with His caring Spirit.
Will you practice gentleness toward yourself today? Saying “no” to any criticism that isn’t helpful for personal or spiritual growth.
How will you extend gentleness toward others today – in speech, thoughts, and deeds? Start with one person.