"But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things
there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
DEFINITION:
Gentleness is a
humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength
and authority, and is useful in calming another's anger. Gentleness
is not a quality that is weak and passive.
EXEMPLIFIED IN JESUS:
Jesus
said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew
quoted Zechariah 9:9 in reference to Jesus' triumphal entry, "Say
to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and
riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey'." Matthew
21:5
OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
"What do you
prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with
a gentle spirit?" 1 Corinthians 4:21
"Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident
to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:4-5
"But in your
hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter
3:15
