The Kingdom Way

Every time I read the Gospels, I’m not just struck by what’s in there, I’m surprised at what isn’t in there.

Time and time again, Jesus feels compelled to show restraint not dominance.  If you had the power to humiliate your enemies at every turn, would you? When Heaven shows up in bodily form, He doesn’t assert Himself in that way.  Think of the story of the trial and crucifixion; Jesus is restrained. He’s gentle. At times, He’s silent. This is the picture of the fruit of the Spirit of gentleness.  Gentleness is ultimately the best way to be human, which is why it’s the Kingdom of God’s way.  

When someone lashes out at you or causes you pain, what good comes from picking up a jawbone like Samson and getting justice? We tend to end up like Samson, causing more pain to ourselves than our enemy did.

Lewis Smedes said it this way several years ago:

“The problem with revenge is that it never evens the score. It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalator of pain. Both are stuck on the escalator as long as parity is demanded, and the escalator never stops.”

- Lewis Smedes

In a world that solves its problems that way, Kingdom people take up the way of Jesus, the way of gentleness.

Pastor Jared

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