Tag Archives: christianity

Embracing Gentleness: The Strength of Meekness

Leave a reply

In a world where loud voices often dominate and confidence is measured by brashness, the Christian value of gentleness stands out as a quiet yet powerful call to action. Philippians 4:5 urges, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” This simple yet profound statement challenges us to embody Christ’s love, patience, and humility in a culture that prizes assertiveness and power.

Gentleness is not weakness; it is strength under control. It listens with compassion, speaks with kindness, and responds with grace. Jesus affirmed this in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). In a world that equates success with dominance and boldness, meekness is countercultural. Yet, it is Christ’s way—a way that values humility over pride, listening over speaking, and compassion over confrontation.

Our culture often celebrates forceful speech and unwavering confidence, creating a world where people shout over one another rather than seek understanding. This division makes gentleness a rare and precious gift—one that can heal wounds, build bridges, and restore relationships.

The practice of Centering Prayer offers a powerful antidote to this cultural noise. In my own life, daily quiet sitting with God is transforming me. Centering Prayer teaches us to “return ever so gently to the sacred word” when our minds wander. This practice nurtures a spirit of gentleness, helping us approach our thoughts—not with harshness or self-condemnation, but with patience and grace. Instead of forcing control over our minds, we gently return to God’s presence. In doing so, we cultivate endurance—not just for prayer, but for life’s challenges and relationships.

Gentleness is not just for moments of peace; it sustains us in life’s storms. In a chaotic world, we are called to reflect Christ’s gentleness. When we let our gentleness be known, we demonstrate a power that transcends human strength—a power of peace, love, and grace.

So today, let’s embrace gentleness. Find a spiritual practice, like Centering Prayer, that nurtures a gentle heart. By doing so, we reflect Jesus to the world—one act of kindness at a time.

To learn more about Centering Prayer check out these past blog posts
Centering Down In Patience
Building Resilience Through Contemplative Prayer

Remembering Uncle Jerry: A Life of Gratitude and Guidance

Leave a reply

Last Saturday, I had the solemn honor of preaching at the funeral of my Uncle Jerry. More than just an uncle, Henry Jerome Mathre was my Godfather, the Lutheran pastor who officiated at both my wedding and my ordination. Jerry was a pioneer in the field of Clinical Pastoral Education, a mentor to countless clergy and seminarians, guiding them in the delicate art of pastoral care and conversation. In his retirement, he embarked on a different kind of pioneering journey, embracing the freedom of RV life with his wife Nola, long before the age of ubiquitous cell phones and internet. He kept family and friends connected through occasional mailed newsletters, each bearing the title, “Gratitude is the attitude of the latitude of the beatitudes.”

Myself and Uncle Jerry at my ordination November 1984

Jerry had a remarkable capacity to find joy in the simplest things: a grandchild nestled in his arms, a rare bird at his feeder, or a breathtaking sunset painting the sky. His gentle, ever-present smile mirrored this innate gratitude. An early adopter of digital photography, he’d always include a snapshot or two of his “latitudes.” He journeyed from Minnesota’s summer embrace, spending time with his children and grandchildren, to the warmth of the Texas Gulf Coast each winter. His life, a testament to God’s grace, exemplified the beatitudes; he found wonder and joy in simply being a child of God. For his funeral passage, he chose John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” This verse reflected his deep, unwavering trust in God’s promises of love and forgiveness.

Though Jerry wasn’t a direct mentor in the traditional sense—I lament the informal pastoral lessons I missed by not spending more time with him—he was a guiding light. He showed me how a pastor could transition successfully from congregational ministry to chaplaincy. And he provided a joyful blueprint for retirement, demonstrating the possibility of living a full life on the open road. I often think of Jerry and Nola’s RV adventures as I embark on my own camping trips through the western United States.

Jerry taught his great-grandkids about the latest technology.

I am profoundly grateful for the moments when our “latitudes” intersected. I hope we all have a similar figure in our lives, an “Uncle Jerry,” whose impact is gentle and subtle, rather than dramatic and forceful. We often celebrate the larger-than-life heroes who rush in, changing our lives in extraordinary ways. In doing so, we risk overlooking the daily faithfulness of God’s more gentle shepherds.

Who is one of God’s children who has offered you gentle guidance and support? How can you express your gratitude for the quiet, consistent impact they’ve had on your life?

Read about another gentle pastor who shaped my life and others. Heroes