What is gentleness? - A worldview

In our society gentleness is associated with meekness and being meek is not a trait to be sought after.  We live in a society where strength in character and assertiveness are in.  Being number 1 is important finishing last or holding back are signs of weakness.  In that light a Christian is often viewed as weak because we are not assertive or willing to get ahead no matter what, we look to a greater power, God, other than ourselves for direction.  In short we are doing all the wrong things.

The world does not like gentleness; the world has become a violent place.  It almost seems that the words of Jesus, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars” are the rule not the exception.  There are wars waging abroad, wars of a different kind being waged here at home and rumors of more wars to come.   Gentleness is all but gone, the light is dimming fast and the world is getting lost in the darkness.  It is time for us as Christians to gently assert ourselves. I am reminded of an old show called Gentle Ben.

The show was a about a bear that looked opposing but was always gentle in his demeanor to others.  That is how we must be as Christians, opposing in our stance in setting a moral example for others to see, but being gentle in our delivery of the Gospel.  Don’t get me wrong there are times when we as Christians must stand up and say no.  The important thing is to do it in gentleness.

What is gentleness? – The Dictionary definition

Gentleness is the art of being gentle.

The dictionary defines being gentle

1.       Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender

2. Not harsh or severe, mild or soft

What is gentleness? – Paul’s verse in Galatians

Paul definitely had something in mind when he laid out the Fruit of the Spirit.  We have seen how love of God leads to joy and peace.   This joy and peace helps us to be patient no matter what.  This patience in all circumstances leads to kindness and goodness towards others.  We have also seen how faithfulness in God can lead us down the narrow path and through obstacles that would otherwise ensnare us and entrap us.  Faithfulness in God also helps us to develop a sense of gentleness in how we deal with others in this harsh world.

In Colossians 3:16 Paul wrote that we as Christians must “admonish others with wisdom”.  Part of this wisdom is in knowing when to gently administer the Word and when to hold back because the Holy Spirit is telling you the time just isn’t right.  Gentleness is a necessary Fruit of the Spirit because one word gently spoken can diffuse anger, can renew friendships can build a bond to last a lifetime, can set about reconciliation between two people and the list can go and on.

Paul went through a lot in life in the name of Christ.  He was beaten, thrown in prison, ridiculed by others, his life was threatened many, many times and in the end legend says he was beheaded.  Not once do you read of Paul showing his captors or those who were trying to derail the Gospel anything but consideration.  He was kindly in disposition, which helped many of those around him see God and come to Christ as their Savior. In short Paul was a gentle man in the way he treated people but his gentleness did not stop him from boldly proclaiming the Gospel. 

Paul knew that the Fruit of the Spirit was not just a series of words but also was a series of life changing event that are brought about in our lives by the Holy Spirit.  These events start when we put our trust and love in the Lord and build piece by piece through joy and onward until have reached the point where no matter what, we are not shaken from our faith but can show gentleness in all circumstances.

What is gentleness? – Some final thoughts and questions

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:22 what the Fruit of the Spirit is but more importantly Paul lived the Fruit of the Spirit from love to gentleness all the way to the end a life of self-control.  Being a Christian is not an easy but we must show the attitude as our Lord and Savior in order to be the person God calls us to be.

How about you do you live a life of gentleness or are you quick to get angry?

Is the Fruit of Spirit at the center of your life or do you pick and choose which of the attributes from love to gentleness that show towards others?