The Greatness of Gentleness

Another word for gentleness is kindness or meekness.

Anyone can demonstrate a measure of kindness, but as believers it is one of the fruits of the Spirit that we must cultivate in our lives, even if our personality tends to be rough around the edges.

Generally speaking, gentleness is not a word that best describes New Yorkers. Though not every New Yorker is rude for there are many who are kind and helpful.

Sadly, I find myself becoming less gentle after five months of moving to New York. Take this afternoon when my wife and I were stuck in a traffic jam. In front of us a man suddenly got out of the passenger seat to walk a pair of dogs. My wife corrected me when I beeped the horn for the driver to pull over or move. The car inched forward and later the man and dogs rejoined their ride down the road. Later, I prayed and confessed the sin of rudeness realizing there was a shell forming around my heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (KJV).

It has been said meekness (gentleness) is not weakness but power restrained. There is a quiet power in gentleness.

A gentle person soothes the anxious soul, breaks up tension in relationships, causes people to be more open and transparent rather than guarded and defensive. Gentle people are not weak people. And they don't need to be rude to assert control over difficult circumstances.

Yes, there is a greatness about gentleness. No wonder David writes, "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." (Psalms 18:35, KJV).

Gentleness is not something we can just do or become as it's not in our nature. It requires the inward working of the Holy Spirit to change us, to cultivate and grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.