What comes to your mind when you think of gentleness? A
common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. True
gentleness, however, is just the opposite. It requires great strength and
self-control. Gentleness comes from a state of humility. Therefore, someone who
lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered or feels the need for
revenge. To be gentle, we must not view ourselves as better than someone else.
Rather than asserting superiority, someone who is gentle wants to help others,
even when they have been done wrong. An example of gentleness can be seen in
John 8, when the Pharisees bring a woman who was caught in adultery to Jesus.
The Pharisees told Jesus that the Law of Moses commanded them to stone such a
woman, to which Jesus responds, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the
first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). After everyone left, Jesus did not
condemn the woman, and said to her, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John
8:11). Just like how Jesus was gentle with the woman in this story, God is
gentle with us. Even in our sin, He continues to love us. He does not keep a
record of our wrongs, but offers forgiveness if we come to Him. God wants us to
be gentle to others. Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people
when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if
you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins.”
A gentle heart comes from having love for others. This is shown in our thoughts
and in the way we interact with those around us. So how do we grow in our
gentleness? It is important to have an accurate perception of what gentleness
is. It should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as a strength. When we see
it this way, we can begin to work toward becoming gentler. In addition, it is
important to acknowledge the ways in which God is gentle with us. He is the
Creator of the universe, yet He is still gentle and loving toward us despite
our sinful nature. Finally, we can incorporate gentleness into our own lives.
Through prayer, we can ask God to give us a spirit of gentleness and take away
any feelings of self-righteousness. We can ask Him to reveal ways we can show
gentleness to others so that we may reflect His character.
