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I have seen it too often. So, have you. Something that starts simple escalates. It turns into all-out war. My drive to defend myself and “be right” creates a verbal death spiral. It is not pretty. I am ashamed.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jesus challenges us to a goal of being gentle with others. That is a demonstration of God’s love. This is compassion. This is caring. This is the Way of love of Jesus.

Good news: There is good news! God has given me the Holy Spirit who teaches me the way of Jesus. That is stunning in that I don’t have to depend on my own evil ways. I am a new creation in Jesus.

A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.

Proverbs 15:1 (The Message Bible)

Gentleness is an expression of compassion, seen in God’s dealings with the frail and weak, and expected of believers in our dealings with others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22

Gentleness is a mark and a part of the character of a disciple of Jesus. How do others know I am following Jesus? They see my gentleness. Jesus himself, in His Manifesto (Matthew 5-7), said “Happy are those who are gentle (meek) for they will inherit the earth.”

The Greek word is πραΰτης praëtēs, (prah-oo´-tace) meaning mildness, humility or meekness. Jesus himself said we would be happy if we are gentle (meek). The benefit is we will inherit the earth.

When: Now is the day to be gentle and meek. Now is the time to be humble. Now is the time to be obedient to God. When? Now. Today.

Christian Quotes

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. – Matthew 11:29 ESV

The fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness. – Galatians 5:22 KJV

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:5 NRSV

A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome; he must be kindly towards all. He should be a good teacher, tolerant, and gentle when he must discipline those who oppose him. – 2 Timothy 2:24–25 REB

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. – St Francis de Sales

If you would reap praise, sow the seeds; gentle words and useful deeds.  – Benjamin Franklin

Soft words are hard arguments. – Thomas Fuller

Only the truly strong and great can be truly tender. Tenderness is a mark of nobility, not of weakness. – James Philip[1]

[1] Manser, M. (Ed.). (2016). Christian Quotations. Martin Manser.