Gentle and Lowly
Dane Ortlund
The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers
This is a great book for anyone who is going through tough times, or for anyone who feels distant from God. Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers is an exploration of Jesus's very nature and disposition toward his people, drawn primarily from his own self-description: 'gentle and lowly in heart.'
It truly encouraged me and helped me see Jesus in a new light as I went through one of the worst tribulations of my life. Ortlund consistently cuts through the fear and legalism, revealing a Savior whose first impulse is not judgment, but compassion and eager welcome.
Through this book, I learned to see Jesus as a sympathizer for the pain and suffering I was enduring. The realization that Christ is not a distant judge, but one who has already endured our pain and weakness, was an anchor in my time of deep trouble. I also gained a new, profound perspective on how Jesus actually prays for us—not with exasperation, but with tireless, enduring love as our Great High Priest.
This is a beautifully written, necessary book that turns our eyes from our performance back to the unwavering, tender heart of Christ.
Quote from the book
"The reason that Jesus is in such close solidarity with us is that the difficult path we are on is not unique to us. He has journeyed on it himself. It is not only that Jesus can relived us from our troubles, like a doctor prescribing medicine; it is also that, before any relief comes, he is with us in our troubles, like a doctor who as endured the same disease."
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