Part 2: Godly character in the garden

How do we live a life of submission even when we are accused?

In this post we are going to continue learning from Jesus while he was in the garden of Gethsemane.

Matthew 26:46 KJV, "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me."

After Jesus prayed, he knew the time had come that he would be betrayed.

No fear

Jesus didn’t show any fear for what was to come. He was courageous. Often we know of difficulties ahead, but instead of responding with faith and being courageous, we let fear cloud our judgement and keep us from accomplishing God’s will for our lives. Through prayer Jesus was strengthened by God and therefore could face his accusers knowing that God was with him.

In what area of your life have you let fear withhold you from stepping into what God has told you to do?

Self-control

When they laid hands on Jesus, one of his disciples drew his sword and struck off the ear of the high priest’s servant. (Mathew 26:51). Immediately Jesus said for him to put his sword away. As children of God, we shouldn’t act rash and without self-control. Even when we are accused, we should remain in control of our emotions. It isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but there is no reward for acting out of anger. Soft words diffuse a situation, while harsh words stir up anger in others. (Proverbs 15:1)

How can you develop your self-control to a point where you cannot be stirred up?

Know your identity and your why

Jesus knew who he was: God’s beloved Son. No one could take his life from him, because he could have asked God to protect him with his angels. He also knew why he was sent, and therefore he laid down his life as a sacrifice for all.

When the enemy attacks, we should respond with knowing who we are in Christ. Having a firm belief in who we are, will determine our response in situations. It takes control out of the hands of the enemy and therefore lets us choose to do the things God wants us to do.

In what area of your life do you need to accept your identity in Christ?

Show kindness

When the slave’s ear was slashed off, Jesus didn’t leave him in that state, he healed him. We are called to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. It is not easy to show kindness to our accusers in the middle of a trial, yet that is what Jesus did.

How can you be kind today, rather than judging others based on their actions?

In closing to this 2-part series, here is a list of the main points:

1. Develop a habit of prayer
2. Be honest with God
3. Submit fully to God’s will
4. Think of those around you
5. Continual prayer
6. No fear
7. Self-control
8. Know your identity and your why
9. Show kindness

I hope that this mini-series of spending time in the Word and learning from Jesus while he was in the garden, have enriched your life and gave you a fresh revelation of who God is. Jesus came so that we can live an abundant life and following his example will ensure that we have that and more.

May the peace of God fill you this day. May the love of God reign in your hearts as you meditate on His Word.

Revelation 1: 5b-6 KJV, "...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Catherina