Strength in Gentleness

Gentleness is often understood as weakness in many cultures and societies. While some feel that it could be interpreted as timidness, others find that it is simply a lack of courage. However, the Word speaks to us differently.

We learn that we love because God loved us first (1 John 4:19), and it is through love we experience God’s great grace and mercy, in which we also experience His gentleness. We can see that through His limitless grace and undeserving mercy our sins are forgiven. 

We often have a few words to share with people we disagree with before we shed an ounce of grace or mercy. However, this is not God’s approach with us; and He teaches us to do the same (Matt 6:14). Jesus did not simply teach us to be forgiving and gentle, but He showed us too throughout his life on Earth, and His death on the cross. Ultimately, being gentle was at the heart of Jesus. 

Paul understood this and followed the same approach, where he simply did not teach others how to live, but also showed them to by being an example (Phil 4:9), and he urged Titus to do the same as a leader.

The role of a leader is not to be aggressive and assertive, but in fact to exercise patience and gentleness, which requires much more self-control. To be gentle does not mean to be passive, but rather to be wiser on how you act or react to things. It is not a weakness, but a strength to be gentle, and once we understand this, we could work toward strengthening this further.

We go to the gym to dedicate time and energy to build stronger muscles. It is not an easy process as you need to endure pain to achieve the gain; and being patient and gentle can sometimes be much to endure, but with time, it becomes stronger. Strengthening the ability to be gentle requires the same focus and dedication. Practice makes perfect.