January 29
Gentleness
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
— Matthew 5:5
God of gentleness,
The world often invites me to harshness, aggressive competition, imposing my will by force. I'm told that gentleness is weakness, that only the strong survive.
But I know that You call us to gentleness. Not the softness that gives up, but that quiet strength which doesn't need violence to assert itself. The gentleness that disarms, that soothes, that opens hearts.
Teach me this gentleness in my words, my gestures, my reactions. May I be firm in my convictions without being aggressive, speak the truth without wounding, hold my boundaries without brutality.
Amen.
The world often invites me to harshness, aggressive competition, imposing my will by force. I'm told that gentleness is weakness, that only the strong survive.
But I know that You call us to gentleness. Not the softness that gives up, but that quiet strength which doesn't need violence to assert itself. The gentleness that disarms, that soothes, that opens hearts.
Teach me this gentleness in my words, my gestures, my reactions. May I be firm in my convictions without being aggressive, speak the truth without wounding, hold my boundaries without brutality.
Amen.
Reflection
Gentleness is a strength, not a weakness. Today, where could you respond with gentleness where aggression would be tempting?
For those who suffer from the harshness of the world and for those tempted by violence.