Gentleness isn’t weakness. It’s strength under control. Like a war horse tamed by a good rider. And self-control? It’s the voice that asks, “will this full sleeve of Oreos actually make me feel better out my day?” Both are about mastering what’s inside us—our power and our weakness. Not to look impressive. But to leave space for God to provide something better than what we could grasp for ourselves. That’s what Jesus was getting at in the wilderness when he said we don’t live on bread alone. In the midst of our triggers, we crave comfort, control, carbs. But Jesus knows these won’t satisfy us, they’ll only pacify us until the next speed bump life throws in our path. If we numb out, or take over, or give in—we miss the space where God wants to meet us with something more lasting than that dopamine hit. Gentleness and self-control are the humble “yes” to the actual life God is giving us today.