Gentleness
One of the most beautiful verses on the importance of gentleness is the words of the Lord Jesus Christ who said “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Although, Jesus did amazing miracles and is perfect in His ways yet He concentrated on gentleness and meekness in his relationship with us and teaches us that it leads to rest for the soul. The Bible says about Jesus “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench” (Matthew 12: 19-20), (Isaiah 42 :3).
Jesus was known for associating with sinners, outcasts and the despised. He befriended them and sought to help and save them. For this, He was sharply criticized by the Pharisees and scribes (religious leaders). The Bible tells us in John 8: 1-12 that these Pharisees and scribes tried to trap Jesus in speaking against the Law of Moses. The video here portrays this event in the Bible. See how Jesus protects a woman from being executed and with great gentleness encourages her towards a Godly life. Also, see how with great gentleness and wisdom, He silences these religious leaders.
The Holy Bible advises us to have a “gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). The Bible teaches us that gentleness is a virtue that surpasses the vanity of prestige and authority. It also highlights that the wise are gentle for it says “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
Therefore the Christian value of gentleness is full of goodness. It is meek and calm. A gentle person is pleasant and is often cheerful and smiling. Gentleness is heard in his or her voice. A gentle person is peaceful and doesn’t respond with anger or revenge when he or she is attacked. A gentle person remains gentle even if he or she holds a position of great power or authority. He or she doesn’t persist in arguments but allows others to have their opinions while he or she does what is good immediately, quietly and without debate. Gentleness involves humbleness. Gentleness is non-judgemental but brings forth justice to the victory of truth. The Holy Bible teaches “if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself” (Galatians 6:1). A spiritual person always remembers his or her own sins and weaknesses and also the patience and gentleness of God towards the weak. In the same way, a gentle person bears others with long suffering and remembers the words of the Bible which say “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1)
The Christian value of gentleness is strong and involves self control. A gentle person doesn’t become harsh or coarse when in a position of power. With strength and self control a gentle person will defend what is right and will stand up for the truth. He or she is brave and is firm when taking action to stop wrongdoing or to uphold justice. The Lord Jesus Christ set this example for us because although he was gentle and meek he was also strong and assertive. It is written of Jesus in the Bible that “He will not quarrel or cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets” (Isaiah 42 :3), but we also see Him strong and firm when driving the merchants out of the Temple saying to them, “It is written ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves'” (Matthew 21:12-13). He was firm in explaining the Law of the Sabbath and bravely persisted in doing good on that day even though He met with resistance and condemnation. (Luke 6:1-10), Matthew 9: 12-14). Jesus was also strong and assertive when He reprimanded the religious leaders at the time for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23).
In being firm Jesus warns us not to use harsh or hurtful words. In Matthew 5: 22 Jesus says “… whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ shall be in danger of the Council. But whoever says, ‘You fool’, shall be in danger of hell fire.” In defending the truth and upholding what is right we are required only to do so strongly, calmly and justly.
With wisdom, we can know when to be gentle and when to be firm. In truth, gentleness forgives and leads to healing. Gentleness gives love. It shows appreciation and offers words of praise. It blesses people and sincerely encourages those that are weak. But gentleness is not weak.