What is gentleness?

Bottom Line

Gentleness is not powerlessness, but strength become cruciform.

"Meekness is not weakness but harnessed & humbled strength in God’s service."
— David Cassidy

"Nothing is as strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as strength."
— St. Francis de Sales

Jesus perfectly embodied gentleness.

“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

Jesus was incredibly kind and compassionate.

Jesus was tenaciously tough.

We are called to embody Jesus-like gentleness.

"We had long known the Lord without realizing that meekness and lowliness of heart should be the distinguishing feature of the disciple."
‍— Andrew Murray

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 

If we are going to be gentle, we will need to reckon with power.

What might it look like to harness power in humble love?

Gentleness will involve asking questions instead of making statements.

Gentleness will involve responding to crazy with calm.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

Gentleness will involve speaking the truth with tender care.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently
Galatians 6:1

Action Steps

Create some space with Jesus to reflect on the following:

• How do I use my power in relationships?
• In what relationships do I tend to use my strength to dominate?
• In what relationships do I tend to trade strength for passivity?
• What would gentleness look like this week—with my spouse, kids, friends, family, co-workers?

Continue to pray this prayer every morning this week:

Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.
Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.