Always A Gentleman

As I have been digging a little bit deeper into the full character of God, I see that there is still so much more to unpack. The further I go, the wider the pathway of my perception becomes. It’s just like in Ephesians 3:14-20 when Pauls says that he was praying that the Church of Ephesus would basically be able to comprehend the “breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of God. It’s so extensive and demonstrative. God’s love is unmatched. I will never stop saying that. 

One of the most endearing qualities that I have recognized more recently is the gentleness of God. I have always heard that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. How do we define a gentleman? By definition, he is known to have nobility. He is seen as honorable, courteous, and chivalrous. 

So allow me a few moments to look at the definition more clearly. First and foremost, God reigns Supreme. There is only One True and living God. Therein lies the nobility. Psalm 47:8 says, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.”(ESV) It is worth noting that in spite of being so high and lifted up, He never abuses His power. That’s a part of the gentleness of God. Secondly, the gentle nature of God is honorable. 1 Timothy 1:17 describes Jesus perfectly when it says, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV) Jesus sacrificed all He had and was when He came to Earth. He lived meekly and died horribly to make sure that we had everything we needed. That is an honorable God. 

Thirdly, God is courteous. In the sense of being considerate and respectful. God respects our freewill by giving us the choice to decide if we want to be in relationship with Him. John 1:12-13 explains it this way,”But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (ESV) Then you look at Revelation 3:20 and it says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (ESV) He allows us to take the option of His love without force. He will never make you love Him even though He loved you first. It is the mere fact that I am in a relationship with God who by nature is keen on presenting Himself to me, so I may choose to accept or reject Him. It is here that I get overwhelmed with His greatness. 

Last part of the definition is that God is chivalrous. Just when I thought chivalry was dead, the Holy Spirit comes along and restores my hope. To clarify the word chivalrous, refers to someone great in strength, but protects those who are weaker. Now I know so many women may read this and jeer at this definition, but I implore you to look through fresh spiritual eyes. He is your knight in shining armor. He comes through courageously to cover and justify you. Psalm 18:35 says, “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.” (ESV) Chivalry puts someone else before themselves, especially if that someone needs care or support in a specific way.  Visualize the Savior who is strong and mighty, yet handles you with the utmost effort. I imagine Jesus walking alongside me on the sidewalk and Him being on the outside to keep any cars from hitting me. 

There have been so many instances in my life when I needed tenderness. I wanted gentleness. The times I desired comfort and consideration most were when I saw God’s hand move. I remember when I didn’t have enough food in my house to eat and God would stir someone to bring me groceries. I remember when I needed money to pay a bill and I would wake up to someone putting money in my Cashapp. On those days when I feel alone, God sends someone to reach out & check in on me. There are days when I am having a rough time and someone opens the door for me at the store. Then there are the days that the sun shines when I feel like it is raining in my soul. It’s those things that would otherwise be seen as little, but have meant so much to me. God is faithful. God is kind. God is ever so gentle. 

As I spend time with God more, I see Him buffering the rough edges of my soul to be gentler. In a world so harsh and cold, gentleness is refreshing. Yet this quality still requires so much vulnerability. It means showing a certain level of selflessness that can only be deemed as a Godly quality. Don’t worry, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I checked Galatians 5 verses 22 and 23. No getting around that. When someone is used to receiving love in a forceful and callous way, gentleness can become scary. It takes some getting used to. I will attest that once you taste and see, you will see that the Lord is good. (Psalms 34:8-10)

When you spend time getting to know Him the more you will see that His gentleness is just what you have been searching for your entire life. It is a balm to your soul. That being said, just remember that God is always a gentleman. He is a gentle God. He wants to show you the attentiveness you deserve. 

Let’s pray: Jesus, thank you for your gentleness. You hold all power in Your hands and yet You handle us with the regard we need. We are fragile in our humanness and You never shrink back from that. You fiercely protect us from dangers seen and unseen. When this broken World overwhelms us You stand with open arms to embrace us. It isn’t easy to accept this kind of love. It isn’t easy to receive this gentleness, but God we make our choice to do so today. You are considerate. You meet our needs before we know we have them. We are grateful. If we don’t see the care that we need please open our eyes to gaze upon Your true love. Give us the grace to know how deeply You want and desire a relationship that is gentle and sweet. We thank You Lord, for being all that we need and more. Thank you for ALWAYS being a gentleman. No one else can compare to you. We praise You in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Savior this is the time. If you have once walked with God, but you have strayed away, here is your moment. There will never be a more ideal time than now to surrender your life to the One who loves you most. He wants to call you out of darkness into His marvelous light. No strings attached. No hidden motives. He just wants a relationship with you. If this is you please say the prayer below. 

Sinner’s Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross just for me. I also confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that He rose again on the 3rd day, paying my sin debt in full. He is now seated at the right hand of power, interceding for me to the Father. I thank You, Jesus, that as I pray this prayer and believe with my heart that You have saved me. I receive Your love and commit my life to You. You are now the Lord of my life. Thank You for all that You have done and will do for me in the future. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scriptures references: Ephesians 3:14-20, Psalm 47:8, 1 Timothy 1:17, John 1:12-13, Revelation 3:20, Psalm 18:35, Galatians 5:22-23, Psalms 34:8-10

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