Gelassenheit: Humble Yieldedness — Chester Weaver — Ep. 102

Anabaptists have often emphasized the character trait of gelassenheit. In this episode, Chester Weaver describes what “gelassenheit” is. Gelassenheit is a German word that has no simple translation into English but is often described as yieldedness. Having this character trait is essential to having a strong relationship with God and his church.

This is the 102nd episode of Anabaptist Perspectives, a podcast, blog, and YouTube channel that examines various aspects of conservative Anabaptist life and thought.

The views expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Anabaptist Perspectives or Wellspring Mennonite Church.

[SmokeytheBear]

I am from a Mennonite community in Alberta and this attitude of superiority is still prevalent today. Without condemning anyone I must say it’s widespread in the old colony church.

[amishgirl]

For me Glassenheit is putting trust in God for all things. Being content in Gods decisions for us, and accepting all that life brings because God loves us and He’s in control.

[lilafeldman]

I've heard of this in other traditions. I understand the concept, just never heard the Gelassenheit term.

Yes American individualism clashes with lots of Christian principles. Been thinking of this lately. Thanks for sharing.

[benryangarcia]

I've never heard of Gelassenheit before, thank you for the video explaining it! I was recently reading through 1 Peter, and I see Gelassenheit a lot in that book:
"[Christ], who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:22-23).
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

[itrow]

Gelassinheight sounds like a German word for follow Jesus.
I like it.

[bathshebaslamb]

I understand what you are surely this is a work in progress!
We are in all different stages of our walk and some have had more trauma in childhood through to adulthood, than others, that has shaped their thought process.
Trust being one, that is a big hurdle to overcome. But the Bible does say "I can do all things through Philippians 4:13.
Also our Lords disciples were known for different aspects of the fallen human nature, they responded to different trials in inappropriate ways at time . But they grew in grace, rather than instant perfection.
Perfection belongs to God, but we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This i understand.
Wasn't Elijah a man subject to passions as we are? James 5:17
And King David, said to be a man after God's own heart, but he hadn't reached that perfect way of walking before the Lord, instantly.
His responses to many things that touched his life were far from graceful, but still Yahweh loved him.

These are just my thoughts.

[patriciajeremiah]

It is literally the meekness put forth in the Beatitudes. The other attributes described here are the fruits of Biblical meekness. One who is willing to yield rather than fight and is not easily provoked will discover the peace here described.

[roberthoover]

2Ti 2:22 – 2:25

2Ti 2:22 But Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. 2:24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 2Ti 2:25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. = (Gelassenheit)

[paulwipf]

Jesus preached Gelassenheit Throughout Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 in the Sermon on the Mount.