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“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Defining Biblical Gentleness
Gentleness, says an article at gotquestions.org, “also translated ‘meekness,’ does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement.”[1]
Writing at Christianity.com, Randy DeVaul says, “Defined, ‘gentleness’ is the condition of being gentle—a mildness of temper, softness or tenderness, freedom from roughness, soothing. Being gentle is a displayed action from having inner peace and self-control that also outwardly portrays kindness in our relationships with others.”[2]
Gentleness as a Fruit of the Spirit
It is good to remember that gentleness is included as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). You do not have to manufacture gentleness. In fact, you will likely fail at the attempt. Instead, the Holy Spirit working within you will enable you to react to others with the gentleness which Jesus Himself displayed (Matthew 11:29, “I am gentle and lowly in heart…”)
Bible Verses on Gentleness to Memorize
Choose one or more of the verses below and memorize them so you can be reminded what you should do, how you should react, when the time comes that you need to respond with gentleness.
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Ephesians 4:2-3 – Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Philippians 4:5 – Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
1 Peter 3:3-4 – Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:14-16 – But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 – And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,…
Titus 3:1-2 – Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Endnotes
- https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-gentleness.↑
- Randy DeVaul, “How Is Gentleness a Fruit of the Spirit?”, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-is-gentleness-a-fruit-of-the-spirit.↑
Go Deeper
R.L. Wilson
R.L. Wilson has been on staff at the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute since 1982. Wilson’s articles draw from the perspective of someone who grew up in a multicultural environment, and who has been a follower of Christ for many decades.
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