The Godly Character of Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” -Philippians 4:5 

One of the characteristics of a true believer is their gentle spirit which can be described as a strong hand with a soft touch. They have a tender, compassionate approach toward others’ weaknesses and limitations while speaking truth, sometimes even painful truth, but in a way that others can receive it.

Gentleness shouldn’t be confused with weakness, nor does it come naturally. It is a learned trait that demonstrates the proper temperament or attitude for a servant of God that is in tune with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus displayed gentleness when He met the woman caught in adultery. The village leaders were yelling for her to be stoned and justice served. There was no compassion in their self-righteous hearts. But Jesus calmly wrote in the sand and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they dropped their stones and left. Then Jesus spoke truth to her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus’ words to the woman and His avoidance of violence and self-righteousness are examples of how God wants us to be with others. He wants us to demonstrate the power of His love with a gentle word of truth to a hurting world. He wants us to offer the same grace that we’ve received and He wants us to stop throwing stones.

We develop the godly character of gentleness when we start thinking about others more than ourselves. When we live with less judgement and more compassion and when we follow the example of Christ by speaking truth in love.

Jesus showed us the way and His example is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Remember, He never gives us gifts that we can’t use.