HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
Gentleness/Meekness
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” – Philippians 4:5
Closely linked to humility, gentleness is the grace of the soul. It is not weakness, but instead, it is strength under control. For instance, in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he wrote that the “Lord’s servant” will “correct his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:25). And in Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia, he wrote that those who have been caught in sin should be restored in a “spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).
Gentleness, being the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest, is also a key ingredient in unity and peace within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:2).
THE FRUIT OF GENTLENESS
Gentleness is the opposite of pushiness or assertiveness that we are encouraged to be in today’s world. It is meekness, humility. Jesus described himself as meek and lowly in the verse below. That is the perfect definition of gentleness.
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. Matthew 11:29
What is your approach to the harsh and argumentative state of the world? Do you react with abrasiveness? Or do you respond with the humble, meek and lowly style that Jesus does? It’s definitely easier to fight back. But when you allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you, your responses will be of love for Jesus and everybody else.
God wants us to show gentleness to everyone in the same way that Jesus showed to the woman who was caught in adultery. He didn’t accuse her or cast the first stone. Instead, He forgave her and showed her a better way. We need to approach others with that kind of gentleness.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:10-11
CONTINUES TOMORROW …
