Introduction
Gentleness, a virtue often understated yet deeply valued in the Bible, is an essential aspect of Christian character and interpersonal relationships. It encompasses a spirit of humility, kindness, and restraint, reflecting the nature of Christ Himself. This article aims to explore the biblical view of gentleness, its manifestation in Jesus’ life and teachings, its significance in the epistles, and practical ways to embody this trait in daily life.
The Biblical Definition of Gentleness
Scripture provides clear insights into what constitutes gentleness and its importance in a believer’s life.
• Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Gentleness is listed as a component of the fruit of the Spirit, indicating its divine origin and essential role in reflecting a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
• Bearing with One Another: Ephesians 4:2 (ESV): “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,”
This verse underscores the need for gentleness in maintaining unity and peace within the Christian community, highlighting its close association with humility and patience.
• Clothed in Gentleness: Colossians 3:12 (ESV): “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and gentleness.”
Believers are encouraged to ‘put on’ gentleness, among other virtues, as part of their new identity in Christ, signifying its importance in Christian conduct.
• Gentleness in Defense of Faith: 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
Peter advises believers to defend their faith with gentleness, emphasizing that the manner in which one communicates truth is as important as the truth itself.
Gentleness in Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus exemplified and taught about gentleness throughout His ministry.
• Learn from Me: Matthew 11:29 (ESV): “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus invites His followers to learn from His example of gentleness and humility, promising them rest and peace, a stark contrast to the harshness of the world.
• Blessed are the Meek: Matthew 5:5 (ESV): “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on the meek or gentle, indicating that this trait is valued in the kingdom of heaven and will be rewarded.
• A Lesson in Compassion: John 8:1-11 (ESV): “Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'”
Jesus’ gentle and compassionate handling of the woman caught in adultery demonstrates His approach to dealing with sinners, emphasizing forgiveness and restoration over condemnation.
• Love Your Enemies: Luke 6:35 (ESV): “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
Jesus’ command to love enemies and do good to them highlights the essence of gentleness in the face of opposition and hostility.
In the next part, we will explore gentleness as presented in the epistles, its connection with wisdom, and the role of gentleness in correction and conflict resolution.
Gentleness in the Epistles
The apostles emphasized the importance of gentleness in their letters to the early churches.
• The Lord’s Servant and Gentleness: 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV): “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
Paul instructs Timothy that gentleness is a key trait for a servant of the Lord, especially in teaching and correcting others, highlighting its role in effective ministry.
• Speak Evil of No One: Titus 3:2 (ESV): “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
In his letter to Titus, Paul lists gentleness as a vital characteristic for believers, essential for maintaining peace and showing respect to others.
• Wisdom from Above: James 3:17 (ESV): “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James describes divine wisdom as gentle and reasonable, associating it with mercy and sincerity, attributes that should be evident in a believer’s life.
• Let Your Gentleness Be Known: Philippians 4:5 (ESV): “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”
Paul encourages the Philippians to make their gentleness evident to all, suggesting that this virtue should be a defining characteristic of Christians.
Gentleness and Wisdom
The Bible often connects gentleness with wisdom, portraying it as a wise approach to dealing with various situations.
• Gentle Wisdom: James 3:13 (ESV): “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
This verse implies that true wisdom is demonstrated through good conduct marked by meekness or gentleness, challenging the notion that wisdom is merely about intellect.
• A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath: Proverbs 15:1 (ESV): “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
The writer of Proverbs highlights the power of a gentle response in diffusing anger, showcasing the practical wisdom of gentleness in tense situations.
• A Gentle Tongue: Proverbs 25:15 (ESV): “With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.”
This proverb illustrates the persuasive power of gentle speech, even in situations involving authority figures, emphasizing its effectiveness over harsh words.
• Respectful Conduct: 1 Peter 2:18 (ESV): “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.”
Peter advises believers to show respect and gentleness, not only in easy relationships but also in challenging ones, highlighting the strength and wisdom in such an approach.
Gentleness in Correction and Conflict
The Bible advocates for a gentle approach in correcting others and resolving conflicts.
• Restoring with a Spirit of Gentleness: Galatians 6:1 (ESV): “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
Paul advises that correction should be carried out with gentleness, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and humility in such situations.
• Speaking the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
This verse suggests that truth should be communicated with love and gentleness, as part of maturing in Christ.
• A Healing Tongue: Proverbs 15:4 (ESV): “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
The proverb contrasts the life-giving power of gentle speech with the destructive nature of harsh words, underscoring the importance of a gentle tongue.
• Correcting Opponents with Gentleness: 2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV): “Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,”
Paul highlights that gentle correction can lead to positive outcomes, such as repentance and understanding, in those who oppose the faith.
In the next part, we will explore how believers can cultivate gentleness, its impact on others, and conclude with a summary of the biblical teachings on this virtue.
Cultivating Gentleness
The Bible provides guidance on how believers can actively develop and demonstrate gentleness in their lives.
• Chosen for Gentleness: Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and gentleness…”
Believers are encouraged to actively ‘put on’ gentleness, along with other virtues, as part of living out their new identity in Christ, indicating that it is a quality that can be cultivated.
• Pursuing Righteousness and Gentleness: 1 Timothy 6:11 (ESV): “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”
Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to pursue gentleness, among other virtues, suggests that it is an active endeavor, involving conscious effort and dedication.
• Adding to Your Faith: 2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV): “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with gentleness.”
Peter outlines a progression of character development that culminates in gentleness, signifying its importance as a mature Christian virtue.
• Blessed are the Peacemakers: Matthew 5:9 (ESV): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus’ beatitude highlights the value of peacemaking, a quality closely related to gentleness, showcasing its significance in the Kingdom of God.
The Impact of Gentleness on Others
Gentleness can have a profound influence on relationships and witness to others.
• Good Conduct with Gentleness: 1 Peter 3:16 (ESV): “Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Peter emphasizes that gentleness in conduct, even when faced with opposition, can serve as a powerful witness and potentially lead others to reconsider their actions.
• The Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12 (ESV): “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus’ teaching encourages treating others with the same kindness and gentleness that one would desire, influencing relationships positively.
• Considering Others: Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This exhortation to humility and consideration of others’ needs fosters a spirit of gentleness in interactions and decision-making.
• Averting Strife: Proverbs 15:18 (ESV): “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
The proverb contrasts the tumult caused by anger with the calming effect of a gentle, patient approach, highlighting the potential of gentleness to diffuse conflicts.
Conclusion
Gentleness, as portrayed in the Bible, is a virtue of immense value, integral to Christian character, effective ministry, and harmonious relationships. It is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of strength under control, mirroring the character of Christ. Scripture encourages believers to actively cultivate and practice gentleness, promising that it will enhance personal growth, improve interactions with others, and provide a compelling witness to the world. In a society often marked by harshness and strife, the biblical call to embrace and demonstrate gentleness remains a timely and transformative message, inviting Christians to reflect God’s love and peace in their everyday lives.
