There is a gentleness of spirit that is born out of the sufferings and hardships of life. John E. Biersdorf, first president and dean of the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, in his book Healing of Purpose says it well:
Compassion is expressed in gentleness. When I think of the persons I know who model for me the depths of the spiritual life, I am struck by their gentleness. Their eyes communicate the residue of solitary battles with angles, the costs of caring for others, the deaths of ambition and ego, and the peace that comes from having very little left to lose in this life. They are gentle because they have honestly faced the struggles given to them and have learned the hard way that personal survival is not the point.
Jesus came in gentleness. Jesus, bring your gentleness to me. This quality of spirit is hard earned. Indeed, it comes only in living in you. It is your gentle Spirit that I need. Amen.
Copyright Richard Leslie Parrott. Ph.D.