During a difficult season of life when I questioned God’s kindness and care, many believers in Jesus came alongside me. They allowed me to be real with my struggles, but refused to let me dwell on them. They pointed me to Scripture, prayed for me, and helped meet my needs. Their compassion helped me experience Christ’s gentle love (Deuteronomy 32:2). Rather than judge me for my weak faith, my confidants proved that “a friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17).

Beyond expressing His love for me through faithful friends, God brought strangers into my life who helped heal my broken spirit. I can’t help but think of one situation in particular, when God spoke to me through a brother in Christ I’d never met before. He introduced himself to me during a break at a Christian conference we were attending and shared that he was a vice president for a large ministry that helps children and families around the world. Since we were both a part of helping people in developing countries, we had much to talk about. I eagerly sought this man’s counsel for programs I was hoping to set up in Uganda.

At the end of our conversation, the man asked if he could pray for me. Without knowing anything about the hard time I was walking through, he prayed that “I would experience God’s gentleness.”

Repeatedly, God encouraged me through His children and reminded me that, indeed, “He is humble and gentle at heart,” and in Him we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29).

“Gentle words are a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). Today, thank God for the people who have “[proclaimed] the name of the LORD” and His love to you (Deuteronomy 32:3).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 51:1-19