Day 3
How Gentleness Overcame Hell
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
As I mentioned in the video on the first day, we find so much hope in realizing that Jesus was not only keep His heart tender as He walked through this life, but that He also offers us His own empathy, victory, and companionship to empower us to do the same. His love becomes the armor that protects us as we realize that in every moment we face in life, we face it with Him inside of us.
The most amazing display of the power of gentleness is Jesus, hanging on the cross, keeping His heart open toward those who hated Him. This Man experienced the deepest form of misunderstanding—rejection from His family and mockery from the ones He came for— and yet was able to remain tender and unoffended, trusting His Father.
What was He connected to? What did He know about His Father that the bait of resentment could find no place in Him? I can’t even comprehend what kind of resilience this required of Jesus, but I know that it calls for my trust in the power of love to expand and grow.
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, it’s jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; floods cannot drown it.” Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 2 Peter 2:23
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21
The power of His love and mercy didn’t just overcome offense, it overcame all the gloating torment of hell. Even though He was so weak that He needed the help of another man to carry the cross on which He would save us, His “weakness” disarmed every power and authority. With suffocated breath, the Word whispered: “It is finished” and every shrieking curse lost it’s power. He is so stunning! His way of defeating darkness offers us so much courage. As we look to Him, He fills us with the overcoming power of goodness.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:23
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who held the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15
Response
Take some time to consider our beautiful Jesus and the way He responded to evil and overcame offense. Listen to the song(s) below and let the melodies wash over you, while you fix your eyes on Him and let Him touch your heart. Spend as much time here as you’d like.
Then, ask Him: “Jesus, what were you feeling while they were mocking you? What do you know that enables you to keep your heart open in face of hatred?” Journal His response.
Listen to the one above if you want a longer instrumental song to continue soaking in!
Further questions to Consider:
If you have time, pick one of the questions below, saving the others for another day. Choose the question that rings the truest for what your heart needs right now, following His leading.
Is there a situation you’re facing right now where you are finding it very difficult to keep your heart open in kindness and love?
Bring this situation to Jesus, asking Him to fill you with the resilience of His love. Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to do what you can’t do on your own. Rest here as He offers you strength and counsel. Journal your thoughts or what He says to you.
Is there anything menacing or evil around you lately that has been demanding your attention by puffing itself up and pretending to be strong?
In this situation, take some time to visualize Jesus standing right next to you, holding your hand. See His fiery eyes of love that are toward you. See How the fire in His eyes also burns to protect you from evil. Ask Him what He wants to do or say, in the face of this. Ask Him what aspect of Himself He wants to offer you to help you overcome.
Is there any place in your heart where something “harsh” or “abrasive” has caused you to pull back or shut down? A place where you used to believe more readily in innocence or goodness, but have lost hope?
Invite Jesus into this place. Ask Him to touch it with the gentleness of His love and begin to bring healing. If you feel led, say out loud: “Jesus, I give you permission touch this place in my heart and heal what happened. Would you restore what was taken? Would you resurrect what feels like it died?” Give Him some time to minister to you… He is so close and longs to hold your heart.
Creative response:
Take some time to respond in worship to what Jesus has done for your heart today. Choose a way that comes naturally to you! You can write, sing, play, paint— anything. As you do, turn on some instrumental music. Some recommendations are: Judah Earl’s Estes Album, William Augusto’s Soaking Music, and David Brymer’s Piano Diaries.
As you go throughout your day, try to stop at least once when you notice something beautiful catching your attention. Linger longer than usual to drink it in. As you let the beauty wash over you, feel how the kindness it offers helps you to breathe easier, relaxing your shoulders and bringing you into the present moment. Whatever you face today, keep steadying your eyes on goodness!