Every Stars: Gentlemen

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17 (NKJV)

Learn from Me, for I am gentle.

Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)

Your gentleness has made me great.

2 Samuel 22:36, Psalm 18:35 (NKJV)

Everyday stars are gracious and gentle. A gentleman is 'a well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior' (American Heritage Dictionary). Jesus is the consummate Gentle Man.

Gentle with what? With us, His followers. God is gentle with teaching and preaching, gentle with our bodies, fears, tears, and years. He’s gentle with His strength and His power. He uses each one with perfect control.

Like how?

He teaches by Personal Example, and He gives us the answers in advance. Even more, Jesus took the final exam… for US and aced it. We’re allowed to sign our name to His fame. We’re 'Imitators of God, as beloved children' (Ephesians 5:1).

He preaches by truth with Words that won’t fail. We cling to Them, as our Life-Preservers. 'Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will by no means pass away' (Matthew 24:35). Nothing can stop our everlasting life.

He heals by power and casts out demons. 'He cast out the spirits with a Word, and healed all who were sick' (Matthew 8:16). Jesus provides for minds, souls and bodies.

He conquers every enemy by love. 'Perfect love casts out fear' (1 John 4:18). Our Lord’s greatest act of love defeated the enemy's greatest act of war. At the end, Jesus defeated Satan without using weapons, hands, feet, or words--proving once and for all, 'Love never fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8).

He comforts by kindness and graciousness. He opens His Arms a Father to child: 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5).

He leads by patient continuance. 'The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression' (Numbers 14:18). Why? 'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9).

He governs unfailingly by meekness. God says the meek 'Will inherit the earth' (Matthew 5:5).

Therefore, GENTLENESS… is an attribute of everyday stars.

Everyday Stars: Gentlemen (Part 9)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.