{"id":46705,"date":"2022-02-23T09:44:14","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T06:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=46705"},"modified":"2025-05-21T22:47:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T19:47:57","slug":"what-is-gentleness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2022\/02\/23\/what-is-gentleness\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT IS GENTLENESS?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Definition & Illustration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gentleness is the ability to stay calm, kind, and nonviolent\u2014even when you have the strength or right to respond otherwise. It is not weakness; rather, it is strength under control. It is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a reflection of Christ\u2019s character.<\/p>\n

Imagine the difference between a snake<\/strong> and a cow<\/strong>. The snake is small, weak, and limbless, but it\u2019s quick to strike. A cow, however, is massive, strong, and horned\u2014but we feel safer around it. Why? Because a cow is naturally gentle, whereas a snake attacks even without provocation.<\/p>\n

This shows us that gentleness isn’t about physical strength\u2014it\u2019s about inner strength and self-control.<\/p>\n

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GENTLENESS IN SCRIPTURE: TWO BIBLICAL EXAMPLES<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Jesus Christ \u2013 The Gentle Savior<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jesus Himself described His character:<\/p>\n

\u201cCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
\nTake my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart<\/strong>, and you will find rest for your souls.
\nFor my yoke is easy and my burden is light.\u201d
\n\u2014 Matthew 11:28-30<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus was gentle like a lamb (John 1:29). The Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove (Luke 3:22), symbolizing peace and purity. A dove won\u2019t rest in a place of noise or chaos, nor on a fierce animal\u2014it seeks stillness. That\u2019s why the Spirit rested on Jesus: He was spiritually calm, pure, and obedient.<\/p>\n

Although He is also called the Lion of Judah<\/strong> (Revelation 5:5)\u2014a symbol of power\u2014He chose to come in gentleness. That\u2019s real meekness: possessing great power, but restraining it in love. Philippians 2:6-7 tells us that though Jesus was divine, He \u201cdid not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage,\u201d but humbled Himself.<\/p>\n

His gentleness attracted people. It still does today.<\/p>\n

2. Moses \u2013 The Humble Leader<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Scripture says this about Moses:<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth<\/strong>.\u201d
\n\u2014 Numbers 12:3<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Hebrew word used here also implies gentleness<\/em>. Despite his great authority and prophetic power, Moses did not boast or act harshly. He led a difficult people with patience and compassion. His closeness with God was deeply tied to his meekness.<\/p>\n

This shows us that gentleness invites God\u2019s presence and favor<\/strong>. It is not just a personality trait; it’s a spiritual posture that God honors.<\/p>\n

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GENTLENESS IS A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Paul teaches in Galatians 5:22-23<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Gentleness isn\u2019t natural\u2014it\u2019s supernatural. It\u2019s formed in us as we yield to the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

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HOW TO BECOME GENTLE<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Humble Yourself<\/strong><\/h4>\n

God honors humility. James 4:6 says:<\/p>\n

\u201cGod opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Admitting weakness, accepting correction, and submitting to God are steps toward gentleness. Those who refuse to be led will never grow in this grace.<\/p>\n

2. Control Your Anger<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Proverbs 15:1 says:<\/p>\n

\u201cA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Gentleness is tested when you\u2019re wronged. When you respond without retaliation, you reflect Christ. Practice silence over shouting, prayer over pride.<\/p>\n

3. Stay in the Word and in Prayer<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Romans 12:2<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Reading Scripture renews your thoughts and softens your heart. Prayer draws you closer to the Holy Spirit, who produces gentleness within you.<\/p>\n

Gentleness is not optional for a believer\u2014it\u2019s a sign of spiritual maturity. Jesus was gentle. Moses was gentle. If we want to walk closely with God and be a light in this world, we must seek gentleness too.<\/p>\n

Let us pray:
\n\u201cLord, make us gentle like Christ. Teach us to lead with humility, respond with patience, and walk in the Spirit daily. Amen.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n