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Today we will read Matthew 5:5 which says, “The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.”

This is a beatitude from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each statement originally began with the word “Blessed”. If you want to be supremely blessed, and who doesn’t, then follow Jesus’ teaching here.

Jesus upends our worldview. He’s really good at that. And this is no exception. You are blessed if you are gentle. Gentle? Since when does gentleness get you anywhere? You’re told to be assertive. If you want to get ahead, see yourself as someone worthy of respect, and then demand that of others. Cut through the noise, make a big splash, and be noticed. Take it while you can. Don’t put up with crap from anyone. Get in the last word.

But gentleness is none of things. Gentle is showing mild or measured temperament. Gentle is the opposite of harsh. Gentle is kind. But Jesus has a promise. The gentle will inherit the earth. Imagine that! In our way of thinking, gentle people get overlooked and stepped on. Gentle people don’t get rich. Gentle people don’t get ahead.

Yet Jesus makes this bold promise to you and me. Do you want to get ahead? Do you want dominion? Do you want to inherit the earth? Do you trust Jesus? Then be gentle. When you want to be harsh, especially then, if what you really want is to get ahead, then be gentle.

“God this doesn’t make sense. But if I’m honest, my harshness doesn’t have the power to get me where I want anyway. I will be gentle and watch You work.”