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Lists. These two qualities seem to go together. Gentleness is not weakness, but rather a powerful force for good in the world. Heres everything you need to know about this virtue and how you can use it in your life! From these examples of gentleness in the bible, we can picture a soft touch, calm reassurance, and a loving hand. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. As directed toward God, meekness and humility require the following: I. Part I: Meekness and Humility Toward God In the Bible, meekness is primarily emphasized as submissiveness toward God (rather than toward men). We will be kind, patient, and humble. attentiveness patience responsiveness tolerance willingness generosity personableness tenderness softness flexibility tenderheartedness niceness geniality understanding warmth amiability affability amiableness graciousness pleasantness kindliness benignity humaneness agreeability mercifulness manners kindheartedness thoughtfulness benevolence Gentleness comes from a state of humility. A. A gentle touch or kind word can go a long way in building trust and rapport, fostering cooperation and obedience. But thats ignorant of Roman history and the state of corruption within the religious leaders in his day. It is used in the OT to show God as being a kind and benevolent ruler. Christ himself was a model of gentleness, and he calls us to follow his example. 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 (Titus 3:1-2). Let's think of when Jesus portrayed kindness and gentleness. One definition comes from Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness. Another translation says, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering. The word for gentleness here means strength under control or power working itself out in love. The biblical book of James says that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6). Typically, those are areas where we are acting in the flesh instead of in the Spirit. It is necessary, then, that we wield this authority with gentleness. If children cannot obey their parents who they can see physically, how will they obey God who they cannot see. Right here on Churchgists, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on examples of gentleness in the bible, goodness definition bible, bible characters who showed gentleness, and so much more. The Bridge Bible Fellowship. Do you ever find yourself thinking this way? The Holy Spirit wants us to cultivate this fruit of gentleness in our lives. Antonyms: drunkenness, excess, gluttony, greed, intemperance, intoxication, reveling, revelry, self-indulgence, sensuality, wantonness Synonyms: abstemiousness, abstinence, continence, fasting, frugality, moderation, self-denial, self-restraint, sobriety, temperance Preposition: The negative side of virtue is abstinence from vice. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) "I'll believe it when I see it.". Gentleness is something Christians must learn. Teach Them Obedience. And these are the people whom I admire the most. The Greek word describes someone who has power but chooses not to use it harshly or selfishly. 5. (1Timothy 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American); Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1Peter 2:18); also, with article, Philippians 4:5 (the King James Version "moderation," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"). In most of these instances it is used to indicate the one who will be taught by the LORD, is lifted up by the LORD, who will be adorned with salvation and saved. The word was also used to describe the meekness of Moses in Numbers 12:3, and in Psalm 36:11 it is the meek who will inherit the earth. Proud member Required fields are marked *. But the reality is that war is more of a surface behaviour, something seen, rather than exposing the deeper things taking place inside. Gentleness also means that we are patient with those who disagree with us, because they may have valid reasons for their position or opinion. By modeling Gods character in our own lives, we give our children the best possible foundation for a happy and successful future. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Why is it important for Christians to be gentle? Gentleness is a virtue that is described in the Bible as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is filled with examples of gentleness, both from God and from Jesus. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. Gentleness is a virtue that is described in the Bible as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We need His help to be gentle! And does it accomplish things? Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). Even in our sin, He continues to love us. What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? 4. It is the ability to be kind and loving even in the face of adversity. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Meaghan is a homeschooling mom of 3 boys and a gentle Christian parenting coach. Its a quality of character. To me, its important to raise my children with gentleness and tenderness. Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. In the New Testament it is the translation of epios, "mild," "gentle" (1Thessalonians 2:7; 2Timothy 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" ( Matt 11:29 ). I was defending my need to not have my thoughts intruded upon frequently. There are many benefits to being gentle, including happiness, better relationships, and less stress. In the 1960s, one man decided to use heavy equipment and bulldozers to move earth and get 100 feet below ground to access the treasure. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. It is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit by good work and a gentle tongue. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Often our harshness comes from a place of fear. 2. Join us here for a short study on gentleness in the bible and how to live it out. Instead, we gently express what we believe without being critical or judgmental. Be considerate of others feelings and needs. Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). Speak the truth but watch your tone so that the truth will be well received, however painful it may be. Meekness however may be distinguished from gentleness in that meekness is the way one regards oneself, and is therefore described in the Scriptures as 'lowliness of mind.' (e.g. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is love? It is the opposite of pride, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. The apostle Paul wrote, Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). There are two other types of peace. There is peace in our homes when nobody is arguing or fighting. Harshness is usually the response of someone with little power trying to attain it through violence. That is having peace with others. The opposite is "unbridled anger, harshness, brutality, and self-expression." ("Self-expression" is the picture of someone who struts and shows off.) W. Barclay, New Testament Words, pp. Salem Media Group. The law cannot give us the strength to be gentle. What the Bible is . The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is faithfulness? Baseness or wildness. A mildness of disposition or manner, thus the opposite of roughness or harshness. So he drew his sword and was about to kill himself (Acts 16:27) But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here. (Acts 16:28) And he called for lights and rushed in and fell down before Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29-30a) Then he took them both out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30b). Therefore, as followers of Jesus we are called to exhibit this character trait in our own lives. When we receive a . "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". Some of these people include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. Violence, aggression, abuse, or brutality. The LORD recently spoke to me about how harsh I can be. I use sarcasm and snap back at my childrens remarks. (Psalm 37:37) People of the world resolve conflict mostly by political power, forced conformity, or even brute force. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Sharpness, coldness, or evil. The word is most frequently used by Paul, James, and Peter. In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner.". But thats not what the Bible talks about when it talks about gentleness. When we see it this way, we can begin to work toward becoming gentler. Here Christ makes a connection between gentleness and humility. Its a quality of character. Ill be blunt and say that one of the best things you can do to grow in a spirit of gentleness would be to turn off the 24-hour news stations and talk radio. In Matthew 11:29, Christ said, " Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (emphasis added throughout). What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is peace? About 5 years ago, Robert Ringer wrote the book Looking Out For Number One. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is kindness? Heres everything you need to know about this virtue and how you can use it in your life! He was talking about people who have mastered themselves their appetites, their passions, and their pride so that they can act with wisdom and self-control instead of being controlled by their emotions. The Bible is replete with commands for us to be gentle. 11:28-30 ) It's no accident that these words have been greatly celebrated. It stands in contrast to baseness ( Deuteronomy 28:54 Deuteronomy 28:56 ), harshness ( 2 Sam 18:5 ), and wildness ( Job 41:3 ). Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. What is gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit? As a parent, I see gentleness as one of the most important character qualities we need to focus on in our family. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. As Paul said, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ) We never know when our kindness will lead someone into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He was said to have been cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. Both qualities come from God and both are fruits of His Spirit at work in our lives. Teddy Roosevelt said he thought it wise to speak softly and carry a big stick. Gentleness for many is synonymous with being quiet spoken, a pushover, and weak. He could have called down twelve legions of angels to rescue Him, but He didnt. Gentleness Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary (biblestudytools.com) Church leaders are admonished to be "not violent but gentle" toward persons under their care ( 1 Tim 3:3 ); it is a quality they are avidly to pursue ( 1 Tim 6:11 ). Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 4.) When Jesus said Blessed are the meek, He was not talking about people who are doormats or pushovers. The New Testament is full of examples of Jesus gentleness. In doing so we will win over those who hear us. The Bible is full of examples of Gods character, and one of the most prominent traits is His gentleness. When we follow Gods example of gentleness, we are displaying the character of Christ to a lost and dying world. It is the opposite of being harsh with others. January 15, 2016 by Lauren Abraham in [ Spiritual Life ] "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This means more that which is fitting, right, and equitable. Think of this more as being kind and nice. Doing so creates a closer connection and will save you from needless hardships in your relationships. It is amazing how ONE small act of kindness shown to our spouses can change the atmosphere of an entire day. Gentleness on the other hand, deals with the way that one regards others. There are many who feel that this is one of the most important aspects of his life and teachings. In fact, the Bible tells us that we are to follow Gods example of gentleness (Ephesians 5:1). 11 Points: How Did Aaron Die in the Bible? Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. In many languages, gentleness and meekness are equated with gentle speech. Thank you for this devotion that I will pin, and print and place in my Gentleness devotional. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. When correcting opponents, it should be done with gentleness. People will see Jesus in us when we are gentle. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). In the Greek written long before the NT came about, the noun meant "gentleness, mild friendliness" (DNTT). 8. Some people would say that peace is the opposite of war, when there is no fighting or violence. Gentleness helps us experience Jesus. Fighting destroys relationships and takes so much time to repair. Extend grace when someone offends you, even if they dont deserve it. In fact, it mentions it in several places. I think about what Paul said in Philippians on shining like stars in a crooked and perverse generation. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics. It's about how we treat others, even when they don't treat us well. It is important to Christians because it is important to God. Im too self-centered to stop and kiss my childs scraped knee. It was a failure, and he tore up a good deal of potential evidence. Its not a weakness, but a strength. Gentle words wield great power ( Prov 15:1 ; 25:15 ). Our research shows that gentleness is the most overlooked fruit of the Spirit, and not by a little. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance andgentleness (I Timothy 6:11). The biblical concept of gentleness is based on the idea that humans are made in the image of God and are therefore to be treated with dignity and respect. Look at how he led the Philippian jailer to Christ. And he is calling upon us to exude that same characteristic in our interaction with others. In short, gentleness is an essential ingredient in good parenting. So lets all make a conscious effort to show a little more gentleness to our spouses today it just might make their day and ours! All rights reserved. Father / Grandfather / Minister / Missionary / Deacon / Elder / Author / In the Bible, gentleness is a virtue that many people are encouraged to develop. Christlikeness begins with a willingness to forgive and move forward. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Some view being gentle as weak. To really understand this word, think of a powerful animal that is brought under control. In this blog post, we will explore a few examples of gentleness from the Bible. 13:5) That means we need to recognize when our anger has run out of control and learn how to stop it before it gets out of hand. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. May we never forget the pit of sin the Lord dragged us from and become like the unmerciful servant. Galatians 5 . God wants us to be gentle to others. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab522d57b5eb8560ccf33254c1125cdc" );document.getElementById("e218d56cc5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its not a weakness, but a strength. It's a beauty that you don't have to go through all kinds of cosmetic surgery or makeup routines to preserve. Consider Revelation 21 as a passage to meditate upon. He can exercise each office concurrently while at the same time not neglecting any of the other attributes . So now that we understand the call to gentleness and its many benefits, how do we put it into practice?Here are 10 ways you can show gentleness: Here are some bible verses on gentleness to encourage and build you up. So, what does gentleness mean? Before we can begin to unpack what it means to have gentleness we must first look into the meaning of the word. Gentleness is the quality of being kind and considerate. His consolations are spoken gently ( Job 15:11 ). considerateness.5 The Interpreter's Bible says it is the opposite of hubris, the Greek word for haughty, boastful inso-lence.6 To try to understand gentleness further, let us go through the passages in the Bible where the Greek word prautes is used. Gentleness isnt weakness; its not passive or submissive either. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matt. In a world that can often be harsh and violent, the ability to show gentleness is a true strength. In addition, it is important to acknowledge the ways in which God is gentle with us. Consider Galatians 5:23 which says that gentleness is part of the fruit (or evidence) of the Holy Spirit within us.