Practicing Prayer With A Gentle Spirit

By Barry N. Shaw

“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.” 1 Peter 2:23 After hearing the false testimony against Him: “Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” Mark 14:61 In the face of extreme adversity, our Lord displayed quiet strength, yet at the same time, meekness and gentleness.

On the one hand we read this about our Lord’s strength: “... eyes are like blazing fire.” Revelation 19:12 “Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.” Revelation 19:15

Jesus is is meek, humble, loving, considerate, peace-loving, submissive, full of mercy, as a child, respectful, least, obedient, of quiet Spirit, not resentful, slow to anger, kind, sensitive, speaks in a gentle whisper, and like the South wind.
The Lord is a gentle Spirit. “Gentleness is a most necessary feature of the inner man [the spirit]. It is the opposite of harshness. God requires us to cultivate a gentle spirit.” Watchman Nee, The Spiritual Man.

Not much has changed in the world since Jesus was attacked by His enemies. He said that people would insult us, persecute us, and falsely say all kinds of evil against us because we believe in Him. (See Matthew 5:11) Daily, we read about attacks on Christians in the world. Prayer has been banned in our schools and now there is a movement to ban prayer in public. Permissiveness is the rule rather than the exception. God’s commandments are considered inappropriate displays in public places. Selfishness prevails rather than generosity. Freedom of religion is under attack in our culture. It comes under the guise of political correctness. Our nation has drifted toward secularism in all aspects of life.

Our fleshly tendency is to lash out in anger at those who seek to suppress our beliefs. But the Lord has a plan for eternity. “He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

Despite the persistent attacks on Christianity by secularism, we are to turn the other cheek and be peace loving. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge...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 12:18-21

It is written in the Bible that Jesus Christ will return in His timing with blazing fire in His eyes to justly judge the world. In the meantime, He teaches that we should live as gentle children of God. He said: “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:5, 7, 9

He also teaches that we should give our cloak willingly to who is suing us; to pray for those who persecute us; and offer our left cheek to one who has already struck our right cheek. Yes, it’s very hard to do this. Our flesh tells us to hate our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45

Our response to adversity, like our Lord, is to be His followers with a gentle spirit. We must continue to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with that spirit. (See Galatians 5:22,23)

“Though it has the power of revenge and the protection of the law, [the gentle spirit] nevertheless has no wish to avenge itself with the arm of flesh. It is a spirit which in suffering harms no one. The one who can boast such a spirit as this lives righteously himself but never demands righteousness from others. He is full of love and mercy; wherefore he can melt the heart of those around him.” The Spiritual Man.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways...Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret...the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” Psalm 37:7-8,11

Barry N. Shaw writes from Applegate Valley, Oregon.