Our Gentle God

One of the characteristics of God that I don’t speak much about or hear much about is His gentleness. He is gentle and kind-hearted. He wired us to be the same. I grew up in a family where my Dad had strong calloused hands from lots of hard work outdoors. However He could be gentle with his tough hands. The hands that were used to spank my bottom would also gently wipe away my tears or pull me close for a hug and a kiss.  I came across a passage in Hosea that reveals the gentle nature of our God. Check this out…

1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,


    and I called my son out of Egypt.

2 But when I called the people of Israel,


    they went away from me.


They offered sacrifices to the Baals


    and burned incense to the idols.

3 It was I who taught Israel to walk,


    and I took them by the arms,
but they did not understand


    that I had healed them.

4 I led them with cords of human kindness,


    with ropes of love.


I lifted the yoke from their neck


    and bent down and fed them.

8 “Israel, how can I give you up?


    How can I give you away, Israel?


I don’t want to make you like Admah


    or treat you like Zeboiim.


My heart beats for you,


    and my love for you stirs up my pity.

9 I won’t punish you in my anger,


    and I won’t destroy Israel again.


I am God and not a human;


    I am the Holy One, and I am among you.


    I will not come against you in anger.  (Hosea 11:1-4;8-9 NCV)

I have been so stupid at times. I have made some of the dumbest decisions and God in His gentle way has nourished me back to His way.  Don’t misunderstand…There are times the consequences for my decisions were painful and felt. The Lord has gently restored my soul so many times I’ve lost count.

I’m so grateful that God is so gentle and full of grace and mercy. I deserve death, but receive life! I certainly don’t deserve the many blessings that His gentle hands have poured out on me. I am blessed beyond words.

Pressing On!

Dwayne