Gentleness is defined as: “the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. It is a softness of action or effect; lightness.”
From E. Lockhart we can deduce this definition: Gentleness is being a little kinder than we have to.” From Scriptures, we also learn about gentleness. It is one quality that cannot be absent if you call yourself a child of God.
Here’s what the Bible says about gentleness:
1. God wants us teach and correct with gentleness.
II Timothy 2:24 says, “God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong.”
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
It’s hard for someone to listen and consider what you’re saying if you speak in a raised and exasperated tone. Without gentleness, you’ll just come across as self-righteous and opinionated.
2. Gentleness makes you willing to listen to others.
James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others.”
We must always remember that our mind falters. We don’t know everything. We could be wrong even when we are absolutely sure we are right. It is because our minds are imperfect. We don’t always perceive and process thoughts rightly. With gentleness of spirit, we learn to leave room for error and discussion. With gentleness of spirit, our hearts are positioned to accept and defer to others when needed.
3. Gentleness is a mark of true Christianity.
Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Kindness is gentleness. Kindness speaks and demonstrates clearer than our words and other deeds ever will. Do one unkind act and you will discredit your reputation in an instant. Why? Because kindness is love. 1Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Love and kindness go together. You cannot love without being kind.
5. Gentleness is THE fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, gentleness (kindness)”¦”
We can exhibit gentleness when we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in us. When it is lacking in our lives, it means we are not walking in the Spirit. To be marked with harshness means we are living a superficial Christian life.
5. Gentleness is a response to Christ’s mercy and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be gentle (kind) and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” As we have experienced God’s forgiveness, in gratefulness we ought to afford the same blessing to others.
God’s children are to live a life of gentleness. May our resolve be as what Max Lucado declared:
“I choose gentleness… Nothing is won by force.
I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.”
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Not forgetting that we love our neighbour as ourselves and as a creation of God, remove ourselves with love when we have shown kindness and gentleness towards someone and in return they show disrespectful and / or abusive behaviour.