Becoming Like JesusSample

Gentleness

Yesterday we learned about humility. Humility is a heart posture that stems from (a) recognizing that we desperately need a Savior and (b) understanding ourselves in relation to our holy God and others also made in His image and need of grace.

Today, as we continue to study our foundational passage, we see humility and gentleness set side-by-side.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness…” Colossians 3:12

In the Scripture, gentleness often accompanies humility.  The only time we see Jesus describe His own heart, He says, “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”

Gentleness and humility are also often coupled where the Bible gives guidance on engaging with others. For example, in Galatians 6, when Paul discusses confronting other believers living in sin, he specifies that we are to do it with gentleness and humility. Paul understood that when we begin with this humble posture and approach others with gentleness, we are more likely to be met with an open heart and mind that leads to repentance.

2 Timothy teaches us that we are also called to engage our opponents with gentleness and humility. Looking at social media, we see a lot of people interacting with their opponents. But is that being done with humility and gentleness? Once again, we engage with opponents with gentleness, recognizing a humble and gentle posture is more likely to lead to change than a hostile or self-righteous one.

Finally, the Bible instructs that when people ask us about our hope and faith, we should be ready to respond but respond with gentleness.

So what exactly is gentleness?

Gentleness means “strength under control.” The Greek origin of gentleness refers to a military word for horses. In ancient times, they gathered wild stallions for plowing, racing, or war. The stallions used for war had a fierce spirit, were courageous and powerful but were also disciplined enough to respond to the slightest nudge or pressure from their riders.

So how does that apply to us? We are exemplifying gentleness when having a strength that is discerning and responsive to the One directing us. A gentle person is not driven by their thoughts, emotions, or circumstances but rather by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Gentleness submits to the will of the Father, even when it is contrary to what we think is the best decision. This discerning responsiveness is gentleness; it is strength under control.

So as we go out today and continue thinking about gentleness, my prayer is that we would pause before we speak or act, ask the Lord how He is directing us, and have the strength to obey Him.