Debbie W. Wilson is an encourager, faithfully pointing readers to the powerful and refreshing Word of God. In this Character UPGRADE, Debbie explores gentleness and how it not only honors God, but benefits us in powerful ways.
"Do you value gentleness or view it as weakness?" Debbie asks. "Some people think volume and coarseness show strength. The Bible teaches the opposite"
I (Dawn) have never had much of a problem with gentleness . . . or so I thought. Reading Debbie's post, I realized I've seldom been gentle with myself. Others are far from gentle with others. In whatever way we struggle with gentleness, this is enlightening.
Debbie continues . . .
Gentleness is powerful. Are you gentle?
How do you treat your weaknesses?
- Do you chastise yourself when you fall short of your standards or impose stringent disciplines to overcome your weaknesses?
- Or, do you treat yourself with compassion?
How do you treat those who disappoint you, are caught in sin, or don’t share your views?
- Do you raise your voice and pound the table to hold their attention?
- Do you hope to win them through quarreling or intimidation?
Using gentleness to combat sin and weakness may seem counterintuitive. Yet, it can change a king’s heart and break a bone.
It may not be your natural response, but this supernatural choice carries divine power.
The Gifts of Gentleness
1. Gentleness helps us experience Jesus.
Gentleness is powerful because it is godly.
Jesus describes Himself as gentle. When we're gentle with ourselves and with others, we represent and experience Him.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29 NIV).
Consider how you talk to yourself. Are you kind? Do you allow time for rest, room for growth, and grace for mistakes?
Your gentleness makes me great (Psalm 18:35 GW).
2. Gentleness moves hearts.
Gentleness is more powerful than yelling, arguing, or using harsh discipline.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone (Proverbs 25:15 NIV).
3. Gentleness helps restore those who’ve fallen away.
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path (Galatians 6:1 NLT).
4. Gentleness empowers speech.
With gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25 NASB).
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
5. Gentleness reveals wisdom.
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13 NASB).
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others (James 3:17 NLT).
6. Gentleness empowers godly leadership.
He [a church leader] must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money (1 Timothy 3:3 NLT).
7. Gentleness is beautiful and precious to God.
Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious (1 Peter 3:4 GW).
What if I'm Not Naturally Gentle?
We can't manufacture a gentle spirit. However, as we surrender each aspect of our lives to God, His Spirit fills and empowers us to look like Jesus (Galatians 5:16).
We ask Him to fill us, and then by faith, we live as His Word instructs.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: ... gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).
As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient (Colossians 3:12 GW).
Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5 NIV).
Be humble and gentle in every way (Ephesians 4:2 GW).
Have you experienced the power of gentleness extended either to you or by you? What is your favorite verse or story showing the power of gentleness?
Debbie W. Wilson, Bible teacher and former biblical counselor, combines insight and encouragement to
inspire people to trust Christ with their lives. Her books include Little Faith, Big God, Little Women, Big God, and Give Yourself a Break. She and her husband Larry founded Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit biblical counseling and Bible study ministry. Debbie enjoys dark chocolate, a good mystery, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Find free resources and connect with Debbie at RefreshingFaith.com.
Graphic adapted, courtesty of Olivia Snow at Freely Photos.