Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation. 

Today’s devotion was written by Jessica Gerth.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 ESV).

I don’t have a single memory of her raising her voice. She never got upset when

we pulled her flowers or carried her good dishes outside to play “house” and

make mud pies. At the very heart of our loud and wild bunch was my Granny -

the most quiet and gentle spirit I’ve ever known. 

Now that I’m a wife and mother, I understand that my grandmother didn’t

have some magical extra dose of patience and grace the rest of us are missing.

Like me, she felt the weight of the hard days. However, she never let her

circumstances make her bitter or resentful; she simply made more space for

Jesus in the everyday moments of life. And when we spend time in the presence

of Jesus, we learn to be like Him. 

Though I’ve read the scripture above many times, it suddenly spoke to me in a

new way. Becoming more like Christ - in my relationships, my service, and my

parenting - has always been the goal. And Jesus, son of our Almighty Creator,

uses the word “gentle” to describe Himself. 

God isn’t expecting us to become anything that isn’t also a direct extension of who He is. God creates gentleness in us in the same way a tree gives its branches the ability to produce fruit. 

Gentleness comes easily when others are gentle with us. Yet, cultivating a gentle

spirit when we’re met with anger or harsh words requires an overflow of the Holy

Spirit working within us. 

Even when I mess up, He gently redirects my heart. No condemnation. Nothing cruel or abrasive. Just the Spirit drawing me in, inviting me to press into and learn from the example of Jesus.

In today’s focus verse, He says, “I am gentle.” Becoming like Jesus is a journey,

but He offers the sweetest promise when we remain yoked to Him, “…you will find rest for your souls”.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OHSOFREE Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.