The meaning of gentleness, according to the Oxford Dictionary is the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered, kindness, kindliness, tenderness, humaneness, humanity, mercy, forgiveness, forbearance, sympathy, considerateness, consideration, understanding, compassion, kind-heartedness, tender-heartedness, good nature, love, mildness, softness, quietness, humility, stillness, peacefulness, and meekness.
Thus, what is gentleness? Gentleness is a strong hand with a soft touch. A gentle person speaks the truth in a way others can receive. True followers of Christ are distinguished by 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. 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.
“When my daughter was young, she used to love to squeeze my hand as hard as she could, trying to make it hurt. She could squeeze with all her might, but it never hurt. She didn’t need to be gentle because she lacked the power to cause me any pain. Then, just for fun, I’d give her hand a tight little squeeze until she yelped. It’s the strong hand, not the weak one, that must learn to be gentle.” — Gary Thomas (extract from www.focusonthefamily.com )
Philippians 4:5 (NKJV) Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 25:15 (NLT) Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.
Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Colossians 3:12 (NLT) Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
The Apostle Paul illustrates gentleness with the example of a mothers’ care for her children.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (MSG) even though we had some standing as Christ’s apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren’t standoffish with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.
To be gentle means to not seek your own way, but be compassionate, kind and patient with others.
I conclude with: “Gentleness is strength under control. It is the ability to stay calm, no matter what happens.” ― Elizabeth George