Gentleness is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. It’s a characteristic of Spirit-led people.
Gentleness takes a “soft touch” approach to life. It’s “soft spoken” — “speaking the truth in love.” Be gentle. Handle life with care.
Gentleness nudges and persuades people with kindness and humility. It doesn’t bully, manipulate, or use force. It doesn’t threaten people. Gentleness relies on spiritual power instead of physical power or positional power.
Gentleness is like an elephant — mild mannered, yet strong. Gentleness stands for justice and righteousness, yet is tender, compassionate, and merciful.
Gentleness is nonviolent, but not passive. It uses weapons of love instead of physical weapons. It’s redemptive, not punishing.
Gentleness is meekness. Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek.” Gentleness works without harshness, sternness, or dogmatism.
Gentleness submits it’s will, desires, feelings, and opinions to the living Jesus. It is an attitude of ongoing submission and repentance, of continually surrendering to God’s will. Gentleness helps lighten the burdens of life.
Gentleness is strength under control of the Holy Spirit. It flows with the will of God instead of resisting it.
Nonviolent movements around the world have shown that persistent gentleness is more powerful than and can outlast brute force. Cruelty is a sign of weakness; gentleness a sign of strength.
A hostile voice provokes aggression. A gentle voice invites kindness. Harshness produces hardness. Gentleness brings healing to hurting hearts. Anger drives out gentleness and if continually followed will lead to a life of bitterness.
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