Blessed are the meek and gentle—they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
“Be wise as servants and gentle as
doves” Matthew 10:16
“Gentleness is strength under
control” Elizabeth George
A wild
horse and a tame horse both have the same STRENGTH. The wild one can’t be used
effectively–no control. But the tame, gentle horse can do many powerful and
useful things. The Holy Spirit trains us
in gentleness so we can do the same. Too
often, gentleness is seen as weakness.
Gentile people are seen as doormats.
But that’s not the gentleness that Jesus describes us having. Gentleness is power used wisely and in a
controlled manner – the way Jesus used power.
When we exhibit this brand of gentleness it accomplishes many
things. Here’s a short, but not
exhaustive list:
1. Gentleness defuses conflict.
Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up
anger.”
2. Overcome mistakes
- so often, public figures who make
public mistakes become defensive and abrasive.
Occasionally, you see one who is repentant and gentle in their response
in a way that owns the mistake and at the same time, is committed to doing
better. People are often willing to
forgive when mistakes are handled in this way.
3. Gentleness disarms critics! “When
we are slandered, we try to be conciliatory and answer softly.” (1 Corinthians
4:13) Critics gain traction and energy
from our uncontrolled anger. Don’t give
them any extra energy by exercising a gentle response.
4. Gentleness is persuasive - Proverbs 25:15 says “…gentle speech breaks
down rigid defenses” and Proverbs 16:21 asserts that “…pleasant words are persuasive.” John
Brickell states that the opposite is also true; “I am never persuasive when I
am abrasive.”
5. Gentleness is attractive! Sometime
when you have the time, read the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth is one the heroes of the Bible, but the
gentleness of Boaz comes through in an attractive manner in this story. People who are known for their gentleness attract
others.
6. Gentleness communicates love. You
know this if you have ever been on the receiving end of gentleness.
7. Gentleness earns respect. Proverbs
11:6 states, “A woman of gentle grace will be respected,” A good example is of this is Mother Teresa. Her
gentle but powerful manner earned her respect worldwide.
8. Gentleness is a witness to our
faith. People do pay attention to your words, but they pay even more attention
to the way that you say them and the way that you live.
Properly understood and lived out,
gentleness is one of the most powerful forces on earth because gentleness is
love in action. May we pursue gentleness
today in our actions with others this day and every day.
Prayer: God, train us in your gentle and loving
ways. May we be known for our gentle
strength as Jesus was. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Pray for people in abusive relationships
today.
Song:
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
