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Carl Sandburg, an American author who won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Abraham Lincoln, addressed a joint session of Congress in 1959. It was the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Of Lincoln, he said:
“Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect.”
Those who know the story of Lincoln and his leadership during the American Civil War are familiar with the description of his calm demeanor and unyielding resolve. This gentle giant did not believe in compromising the truth to keep peace and would not bend when it came to doing what was right. God calls His children to act in the same way, and we have examples in the Scriptures of men with this same disposition.
Moses stood against Pharaoh, led the Israelites through the wilderness, and mightily judged the people. He was used to perform miracles, wage war against God’s enemies, and punish idolaters. He was a leader who held firm. Yet God’s Word says, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). The Scriptures show him on his face before the Lord time and again, interceding for others even when they turned on him and rebelled against God.
David was a warrior who slew beasts, giants, and thousands of God’s enemies. He was a powerful ruler and undefeated general. He did not back down from doing what was right. He was hard as steel when it came to his convictions. Yet when you read his songs, see how he refused to retaliate against wrongdoing, mourned his enemies’ deaths, and gently shepherded God’s people, you see a heart that is tender, loving, soft, and caring. Of his enemies David said:
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” (Psalm 35:13–14)
The Apostle Paul was a chosen vessel to bear Christ’s name to the Gentiles and before kings. He performed miracles in the name of Jesus and was used to write much of the New Testament, which endures forever. He stood against heresy and false teachers at every turn, unbending when it came to the truth. Yet when you read the account of his missionary journeys, you see a gentle man who deeply cared about others. As he departed from Ephesus, we see this tenderness:
“Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears… And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him.” (Acts 20:31, 36–37)
And, of course, there is Jesus.
He is the Rock of Ages, the Strong Tower, the Commander of the army of the Lord. All authority and all power are His. He is before all things, and in Him all things exist. His very words create life, calm storms, bring healing, and overcome death. He is above all and sits at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him.
Nothing is stronger than Jesus, and yet He exudes a loving gentleness that no one can match.
He weeps.
He is moved with compassion.
He loves like no other.
He gently gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He is meek and lowly in heart, offering rest to the weary. He forgives His enemies and heals the sick and brokenhearted.
Jesus set the perfect example for us to follow in His steps as we journey through life. We are sheep in the midst of wolves, yet we are told to be as harmless as doves.
These wolves desperately need the unyielding rock of truth.
The world needs doctrine as strong as steel that does not bend or retreat. We are surrounded by people who believe truth is subjective. They are blind to it, misled, and confused. Therefore, the truth of God’s Word must be boldly proclaimed, and it cannot be soft.
Our approach, however, can be.
To win hearts, it should be.
Like our Lord, we are called to embody a rare combination of unwavering strength and gentle compassion.
When the world looks at Christians, let them see steel wrapped in velvet.
Copyright © 2026 by Kimberly Williams @ www.kimberlywilliams.org No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.