Gentleness

Gentleness

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

Who would you rather be friends with: someone that is kind and gentle when they speak or someone that is harsh and hot-tempered? People who are gentle are generally better to be around because they do not disdain your shortcomings. Instead, they lift you up through their affection and calm nature.  

Gentleness is a compassionate approach to the weaknesses and limitations of those around us. It does not mean that we ourselves are weak, but it means that we do not look down on others in the areas that we struggle. We should use both words and action to lift people up. In doing that, we are displaying the fruit of gentleness. When we are gentle, we are showing people a piece of God’s character.

John 8:1-11 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The people wanted to stone her to death, but Jesus had mercy on her. He said to the crowd, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) After the crowds left, Jesus gently called the woman to leave her sinful ways. He did not yell at her to repent, he simply said, “Go and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 that he “is gentle and humble in heart”. He came to save us, not through harsh words, but through love. That is what he calls us to, as well. God wants us to be gentle and loving in our words, not forcing people to see things our way. We must be gentle with other people so that we can show them how much God loves and cares for them.