Gentleness is power under control.

温柔是约束之下的能力。

The Greek word translated "gentle" in Matthew 5:5 speaks of humility, meekness, and non-retaliation—traits that in our proud society are often equated with weakness or cowardice. But in reality they are virtues that identify kingdom citizens.

马太福音5：5中“温柔”一词，在希腊语中谈的是谦卑、温顺、不报复—这些特质在我们这个崇尚骄傲的社会常被等同为软弱或懦弱。但真相是，这些特质是表明你为天国子民的美德。

The same word was used by the Greeks to describe a gentle breeze, a soothing medicine, or a domesticated colt. Those are examples of power under control: a gentle breeze brings pleasure, but a hurricane brings destruction; a soothing medicine brings healing, but an overdose can kill; a domesticated colt is useful, but a wild horse is dangerous.

在希腊文中这个同样的词用于描述一阵轻柔的微风，一剂舒缓痛苦的良药，或一匹驯服的小马，这些例子中的力量都是在约束之下的。因为微风带来舒畅，而飓风则带来毁坏; 良药带来医治，而过量的药会引起死亡; 被驯服的小马大有用处，而野马却是危险的。

Christ Himself is the epitome of gentleness. Even when officially announcing His messiahship to Jerusalem, He humbly entered the city astride a donkey (Matt. 21:5). His behavior amid persecution was exemplary: "Christ . . . suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats" (1 Pet. 2:21-23).

基督自己是温柔的典型。甚至在向耶路撒冷正式宣告他的弥赛亚身份时，他也是谦卑地骑着一头驴驹进城（太21：5）。他在逼迫之中的行为堪称典范：“基督也为你们受过苦，给你们留下榜样，叫你们跟随他的脚踪行。他并没有犯罪，口里也没有诡诈。他被骂不还口；受害不说威吓的话”（彼前2：21-23）。

Despite His humility and restraint, Jesus wasn't weak or cowardly. He never defended Himself, but when His Father's house was being desecrated, He made a whip and beat those who were defiling it (John 2:13-16; Matt. 21:12-13). He never shirked from pronouncing judgment on unrepentant sinners, and never compromised His integrity or disobeyed His Father's will.

尽管耶稣谦卑而克制，他却不软弱怯懦。他从不为自己申辩，但当父神的家遭亵渎时，他拿起鞭子抽打那些污秽圣殿的人（约2：13-16；太21：12-13）。他从不避讳向执迷不悟的罪人宣告神的审判，他在正直或顺服父神旨意上也从不妥协让步。

The hypocritical Jewish religious leaders expected that when Israel's Messiah came He would commended them for their wonderful spirituality. Instead, Jesus condemned them and called them children of the devil (John 8:44). In retaliation they had Him murdered. His power was always under control; theirs wasn't.

假冒伪善的犹太宗教领袖期待，当以色列的弥赛亚来临时，会夸赞他们美妙的灵性。与之相反，耶稣谴责他们，并称他们魔鬼之子（约8：44）。出于报复，他们谋杀了耶稣。耶稣始终约束自己的能力，他们却不是。

Our society has little use for gentleness. The macho, do-your-own-thing mentality characterizes most of our heroes. But you are called to a higher standard. When you pattern your life after Jesus, you will have a significant impact on society and will know true happiness.

我们的社会很少用到温柔。大丈夫、好汉做事好汉当，是大多数英雄的特征。然而你蒙召是到一个更高的标准。当你的生命效法耶稣时，你会对社会产生重大的冲击，并会认识真正的幸福。

Thank God for the virtue of gentleness, which He is producing in you by the power of His Spirit. Follow Christ's example today so that gentleness will mark your character.

为着神用祂圣灵的能力在你里面造成温柔的美德感谢神。今天就跟随基督的榜样，好让温柔成为你品格的标志。

Read the following passages, noting the responsibilities and blessings that accompany self-restraint: Proverbs 16:32, Ephesians 4:1-2, Colossians 3:12, and Titus 3:1-2.

阅读以下段落，留意责任和随自我节制而来的祝福：箴言16：32，以弗所书4：1-2，歌罗西书3：12，以及提多书3：1-2.