Gentleness

Thy gentleness hath made me great.

Psalms 18:35 (KJV)

 By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you.

2 Cor 10:1 (NIV)

Snow!  Here we were expecting a torrential downpour to test our new driveway and what do we get?  Snow! Snow coming down in soft fluffy flakes.   

Elijah may have expected to see God’s power in a dramatic way.  He thought God was in the wind, in the earthquake or in the fire, but God came unexpectedly in a still small voice, in a whisper like the softly falling snow. 

Hesed, the Hebrew word used for God’s love, is usually translated loving- kindness - a beautiful picture of the way in which God demonstrates his love toward us.  He comes to us not in harshness, but with a gentle spirit. In his great strength he exhibits meekness -  the quality of strength under control.

Jesus demonstrated such great affection and kindness that people were not afraid to bring their little children to him. He is gentle and humble and we, too, should not be afraid to bring all of ourselves to him.  There we will find rest in his gentleness and strength. 

And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by,

 and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.

 It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose,

 but the Lord was not in the wind.

 After the wind there was an earthquake, 

but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 

And after the earthquake there was a fire,

 but the Lord was not in the fire.

 And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

1 Kings 19:11-12 (NLT)