Gentleness is the quality of being kind, considerate, and mild. Gentleness [N] Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love. 11:28-30 ) It's no accident that these words have been greatly celebrated. God himself spoke to Elijah as a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You canread my full affiliate disclosure here. It looks like Jesus: kind and compassionate to those who are struggling, yet firm and clear-eyed when addressing sin; slow to anger and quick to forgive; always calm and collected even in the midst of chaos; patient with His disciples when they were constantly asking questions and getting things wrong; gentle with sinners but uncompromising on truth. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 2 Corinthians 10:1 uses the meekness and gentleness (kindness) of Christ as an example for his own pattern. Just as with the humble we see that God is working to defend and rescue the poor. The word can also be used to translate another Hebrew word that refers to things like enduring hardship (Psalm 132:1), toil and trouble (Psalm 89:10). It is a trait that is godly, and as His children God expects us to become gentle, as He is. We grow in gentleness much in the way that we grow in every fruitwe abide in Jesus. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Isa 53:7 ). When Jesus said Blessed are the meek, He was not talking about people who are doormats or pushovers. If children cannot obey their parents who they can see physically, how will they obey God who they cannot see. In this verse, Paul makes it clear that gentleness is not something from the Law or from human effort or will power; rather, it comes from Gods grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When correcting opponents, it should be done with gentleness. Check Out Amazon Educational Resources on The Spirit of Gentleness. We may picture someone who is easily intimidated or who shrinks back from conflict. In fact, the Bible tells us that we are to follow Gods example of gentleness (Ephesians 5:1). There is also peace with God. What Does the Bible say about Vegetarianism vs Meat eating | Eat Meat in the Bible, 9 Examples of Gentleness in the Bible | Gentle, The Fruit of Gentleness in the New Testament, The Power of Gentleness in Leading men To Christ, The Power of Gentleness with our Children, Final Thoughts Examples of Gentleness in the Bible, 140622eng-gotfruitseriespart5-gentlenessbyjocelyntan-140622233213-phpapp01, Use Google Church Grant For Your Church $10,000 / Month - God Bless Steve, Stuck on Sermon / Need Class Ideas / Outlines / Ask Ja, Copyright 1920-2023 Jesus Leadership Training. Gentleness is a marker of power used and handled properly. The LORD recently spoke to me about how harsh I can be. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. hardness. He was talking about people who have mastered themselves their appetites, their passions, and their pride so that they can act with wisdom and self-control instead of being controlled by their emotions. Therefore, someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered, or feels the need for revenge. When we are gentle with others, we are showing them the love and compassion of Christ. we will do quite the opposite and will experience a SUPERNATURAL life filled with fruit that the Holy Spirit . Scripture says for a woman to have that internal heart attitude of meekness or gentleness and a quiet spirit gives her a beauty that is imperishable. We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. Gentleness is typically used as an opposite of harshness. Although gentleness in the Bible is also translated as "meekness". The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? When we are gentle with our children, we send the message that they are safe and loved. It Yields good fruits in the gentleness of christ by a gentle spirit and a gentle answer. Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. We never know when our gentleness will lead someone to Christ. In short, gentleness is an essential ingredient in good parenting. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and it's not just a nice thing to be. God provides many examples of gentleness in the bible, Jesus himself being the best model. Fighting destroys relationships and takes so much time to repair. Gentleness on the other hand, deals with the way that one regards others. Its about how we treat others, even when they dont treat us well. Gentleness has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of time. Our natural response is anger and retaliation. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Gentleness is a virtue that is praised in the Bible and throughout history. Gentleness, also translated "meekness," does not mean weakness. It's a peaceful, calm, and forgiving attitude. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and its not just a nice thing to be. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Be subject to and obey God's word. When we develop lazy attitudes in some areas, that laziness tends to spread to other areas as well. Why is it important for Christians to be gentle? Now, it's not to say that, if things are not peaceful, then war won't exist. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. When we receive a . The gentleness of Jesus is a subject that has been much talked about over the years. We have to ask ourselves if gentleness doesnt work, perhaps we are striving for the wrong kingdom. sometimes it requires great gentleness. Extend grace when someone offends you, even if they dont deserve it. The Bible teaches us that we should be gentle in all our relationshipseven with our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). They are often areas where we carry deep wounds and trauma from our past. When we are full of the Holy Spirit, His fruit will be seen in our lives. Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. Some view being gentle as weak. So let us always be gentle! Cognate: 4240 prats (compare 4236 /prats, another feminine noun which is also derived from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of the meekness) - meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Here Christ makes a connection between gentleness and humility. Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" ( 2 Cor 10:1 ). Salem Media Group. Gentleness is closely related to humility and meekness. It's the opposite of anger and harshness. It is necessary, then, that we wield this authority with gentleness. In sum, the Scriptures show God as a kind and gentle leader. Cruelty and unkindness. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . 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. And that is exactly what this world needs to see in us instead of harsh words, gentle words showing us as gentle people. harshness. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Gentleness also means that we are patient with those who disagree with us, because they may have valid reasons for their position or opinion. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So glad to hear it was encouraging to you it is extra challenging to be gentle when we feel like our needs are being intruded on. "He will feed his flock like a shepherd. 94-96, 240-42; W. Bauder, NIDNTT, 2:256-64; H. Preisker, TDNT, 2:588-90; F. Hauck and S. Schulz, TDNT, 6:645-51. People have been searching for this treasure for hundred of years. Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Ad revenue is generated off of page views. We have swallowed the worlds view of power and control. Actually, gentleness requires quite a bit of strength and self-control. This is why this grace is listed among the fruit of the Spirit. and with a gentleness or meekness in his life. Gentleness is the quality or characteristic of being kind, tender, mild-mannered, compassionate, and considerate. Posted by ; royal canin yorkie dog food reviews; parkland psychiatric hospital dallas, tx . Speak respectfully to everyone. But why is gentleness such an important virtue? It is the opposite of being harsh with others. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.. The Bible says that gentleness is not soon angry. (1 Cor. Is It True That Gentleness Gets Nothing Done. Gentleness Defined Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. A meek spirit, a gentle spirit, a quiet spirit. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) "I'll believe it when I see it.". When you do this you can then look for ways to meet those needs and truly help work through those feelings. Baseness or wildness. Gentleness is something Christians must learn. It is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit by good work and a gentle tongue. The good news is that Gentleness can be learned. It is the opposite of harshness and violence. That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" ( Matt 11:29 ). There is a secondary word, epieikes, which refers to being gentle, gracious, and forbearing. Gentleness is more than just being nice and kind and caring towards others; its actually the quality of God Himself who has been poured out into our hearts by His Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:5). General Editor. "Entry for 'GENTLENESS'". And these are the people whom I admire the most. You could also have the children play the role . It is a positive trait that can help you improve your relationships with others and even yourself. Required fields are marked *. As a result, our children learn to trust us and to respond to us with respect. Job's counsels were well received, because he spoke them gently ( Job 29:22 ). brutality. In the Greek written long before the NT came about, the noun meant "gentleness, mild friendliness" (DNTT). Let's think of when Jesus portrayed kindness and gentleness. So lets all make a conscious effort to show a little more gentleness to our spouses today it just might make their day and ours! The Bible does more than answer this question, so lets learn about gentleness in the Bible, Gentleness Definition In The Bible, definition of gentleness in the bible kjv and examples of gentleness in the bible what implications this has for our lives today. Be considerate of others feelings and needs. May we never forget the pit of sin the Lord dragged us from and become like the unmerciful servant. Paul showed kindness and gentleness toward those who persecuted him (see Acts 23). It can only tell us what we should not do and why its wrong. Below are a few examples of how to practice this virtue in your life. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Fashion designer Coco Chanel once remarked, gentleness doesnt get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs., Sadly, this dismissal of gentleness is not reserved for the world. The Bible is full of examples of Gods character, and one of the most prominent traits is His gentleness. In the New Testament Jesus comes as the perfect example of being gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29). I am too busy to listen to my childs story. If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. We are to be calm and respectful when speaking with others. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Wives should seek "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" ( 1 Peter 3:4 ). GENTLENESS. unkindness. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Focus on the positive qualities of the person who hurt you instead of their negative actions. The supreme exemplar of gentleness is Israel's God. It takes a strong person to be truly gentle. His laws are also reasonable and easy to obey; neither He nor they enslave. As directed toward God, meekness and humility require the following: I. It is amazing how ONE small act of kindness shown to our spouses can change the atmosphere of an entire day. 3. Paul was a great example of this. Another pair of opposites in the Bible is innocence and guilt. It is the ability to be kind and loving even in the face of adversity. You will be blessed and rewarded by God when you get to heaven and receive His peace and favor here on earth too. Gentleness comes from a state of humility. Meaghan is a homeschooling mom of 3 boys and a gentle Christian parenting coach. In this blog post, we will explore a few examples of gentleness from the Bible. Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. 5:22). From these examples of gentleness in the bible, we can picture a soft touch, calm reassurance, and a loving hand. The apostle Paul wrote, Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). It's a beauty that cannot fade away. I think about what Paul said in Philippians on shining like stars in a crooked and perverse generation. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a298435548fac6131ddbee45a6669aa4" );document.getElementById("e218d56cc5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Its a way of dealing with people, yourself, and God. In doing so we will win over those who hear us. Its the opposite of anger and harshness. Because gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can show true gentleness. When we humble ourselves and remember that we too are sinners in need of forgiveness, it becomes easier to extend grace. So much of the peace and harmony we seek is directly affected by how we treat others. We can ask Him to reveal ways we can show gentleness to others so that we may reflect His character. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. Gentleness is powerful because it is godly. Being gentle makes others more willing to listen to you. Click here to show subject links in the text for more information. Gentleness doesn't come naturally. It is important to have an accurate perception of what gentleness is. This means that when we see someone in need, we can no longer ignore them or pass them off as someone elses problem. There are many who feel that this is one of the most important aspects of his life and teachings. Gentleness is closely related to humility and meekness. I'm too self-centered to stop and kiss my child's scraped knee. It is important to remember that as Christians we are called to more than this. Jesus has been relentlessly showing me that my character IN HIM is gentleness & self-control. To be gentle means showing love and care for others in how you act and speak. Not only does it mean being kind to people who are kind to you, but also it means being kind even when someone isnt nice back! Doing so creates a closer connection and will save you from needless hardships in your relationships. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. Through Christ we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. The opposite of gentleness is: Rudeness, manipulation, or disrespect. As any parent knows, raising children can be a rewarding but challenging task. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and its not just a nice thing to be. Being gentle has a long history in many, but not all cultures. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matt. But the more I study, the more I find that gentleness is one of the chief Christian virtues. Your email address will not be published. However, Scripture reminds us that we are called to be gentle with others, even in the midst of difficult times. You can be gentle in him thanks for sharing and encouraging . 13:5) That means we need to recognize when our anger has run out of control and learn how to stop it before it gets out of hand. We're more likely to listen and understand others when we're gentle. Often our harshness comes from a place of fear. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. These individuals were known for their kindness, care, and compassion for others. According to that definition, one could say that gentleness isnt doing, it is being done to. Gentleness is a value and quality in one's character. Heres everything you need to know about this virtue and how you can use it in your life! Consider Galatians 5:23 which says that gentleness is part of the fruit (or evidence) of the Holy Spirit within us. . 5 Steps to Achieving the Fruit of Gentleness (or Meekness) that Leads to Blessedness. Typically, those are areas where we are acting in the flesh instead of in the Spirit. For some, this might be a no-brainer. That means that if you want to be like Jesus, then gentleness should be one of your top priorities. Thank you for this devotion that I will pin, and print and place in my Gentleness devotional. Doesnt gentleness keep us from getting things done? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem entitled "The Village Blacksmith" gives us a wonderful demonstration of genuine gentleness. Note here that the opposite of gentleness is a desire for revenge, anger, and self -aggrandizement. It requires humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, kind behavior towards others. In most of these instances it is used to indicate the one who will be taught by the LORD, is lifted up by the LORD, who will be adorned with salvation and saved. The word was also used to describe the meekness of Moses in Numbers 12:3, and in Psalm 36:11 it is the meek who will inherit the earth. It requires great strength and self-control. You and those around you reap many benefits by prioritizing gentleness. Before we can begin to unpack what it means to have gentleness we must first look into the meaning of the word. So he drew his sword and was about to kill himself (Acts 16:27) But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here. (Acts 16:28) And he called for lights and rushed in and fell down before Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29-30a) Then he took them both out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30b). By practicing gentleness, we show others the love and kindness of God. It's a way of life. To understand what gentleness looks like in practice, lets look at some examples from scripture: Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. But what is gentleness? As our Lord and Master, He is not harsh, overbearing, and oppressive, but gentle in His government. The power of gentleness should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to raising children. 9. If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. What does it look like to be gentle? The Bible is full of examples of gentleness. . January 15, 2016 by Lauren Abraham in [ Spiritual Life ] "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The one who is truly wise and who has received the implanted word will be marked by gentleness. Jesus describes Himself as gentle. In other words, its not weakness; its strength under control. Pride and self-assertionthe opposite of gentlenessruled in the hearts of the Jewish leaders. The New Testament. The Bible tells us that God is gentle and loving and that we should imitate His character in our own lives. In the Bible, gentleness is a virtue that many people are encouraged to develop. Harshness is usually the response of someone with little power trying to attain it through violence. It is the opposite of harshness and violence. Watch your tone so that what you have to say will be well received. Great damage has been done by Christians who have wielded God-given authority for their own ends instead of for the kingdom. Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is goodness? I justified it as being 64 and still having children at home (Intellectually challenged). 5:16, 22-23) . In a world that can often be harsh and violent, the ability to show gentleness is a true strength. In the Old Testament the Septuagint uses it once in Psalm 45:4. In the Bible, gentleness is also called meekness, and it is a prominent virtue in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. When Adam and Eve started out in the Garden of Eden, they had peace with God. (1Timothy 3:3 the Revised Version (British and American); Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 1Peter 2:18); also, with article, Philippians 4:5 (the King James Version "moderation," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"). Galatians 2:20. Its not easy to achieve but worth striving for because then you can live at peace with yourself and others all around you. A passage from the Bible is even more powerful if we read what comes before it: at the end of chapter ten, the prophet Isaiah says that God is going to cut down all the trees, and that's why there's "a stump" when this passage begins. Click here to read more verses about gentleness. But for me, it was quite revelatory. Christlikeness begins with a willingness to forgive and move forward. The Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek NT defines it this way: Prautes denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself, in particular, in a patient submissiveness to offense, free from malice and desire for revenge controlled strength, the ability to bear reproaches and slights without bitterness and resentment; the ability to provide a soothing influence on someone who is in a state of anger, bitterness and resentment against life the word indicates an obedient submissiveness to God and His will, with unwavering faith and enduring patience displaying itself in a gentle attitude and kind acts toward others, and this often in the face of opposition.. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? In the New Testament it is the translation of epios, "mild," "gentle" (1Thessalonians 2:7; 2Timothy 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1). In Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians the word is used in lists combined with things like humility as virtues and graces. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. of Consider what would happen if the omnipotent God was characterized by harshness with his creatures made of dust. Even in our sin, He continues to love us. The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Jesus. Its not easy to achieve but worth striving for because then you can live at peace with yourself and others all around you. Of all the character traits which could have been part of the fruit of the Spirit, why is gentleness in that list? The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is faithfulness? If God were brutish, not a one of us could stand. How is God gentle? Seek counseling or therapy if youre struggling to let go of the pain. It is the opposite of harshness and roughness. The Bible has a lot to say about gentleness. Even in His rebuke, God restrains Himself and speaks with a gentle tone (1 Kings 19:12). Galatians 5:23 says, against such there is no law.. Photo credit: Getty Images/Oleksandr Yakoniuk. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. The Bible says that gentleness is "not soon angry." (1 Cor. It does not mean weakness, per se. Toughness and controlled anger in a just cause are not the opposite of gentleness. It is used similarly to prautesbut is more of an opposite of violence. Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, But you, man of God, run from these things,and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,love, endurance, and gentleness. After everyone left, Jesus did not condemn the woman, and said to her, Go now and leave your life of sin (John 8:11). Its the opposite of anger and harshness. There have always been arguments on whether it is an attribute to desire or avoid. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. We study the arrival of guilt, an argument about guilt, and the answer to guilt. Practice patience and kindness in your everyday interactions with others. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Your email address will not be published. Salem Media Group. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? We like to think that if Jesus were on earth today, hed be carrying around a whip. That is having peace with others. Your email address will not be published. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love (Ephesians 4:2). and pushy. Its not a weakness, but a strength. Empathy is acknowledging another persons point of view to understand their feelings. Sometimes gentleness is used interchangeably with "meekness" in the Bible. In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner.". For starters, Gentleness is the opposite of anger. God wants us to be gentle to others. . Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" ( 1 Thess 2:7 ). Listen more than you speak or act (James 1:19). Unfortunately, sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can become more focused on getting things done than on being kind to the ones we love. The biblical concept of gentleness is often misunderstood. Galatians 5:22-25. We should also work at controlling our tempers with grace, kindness, patience, forgiveness, love and respect for others. People who are gentle tend to be happier and more content with life. So now that we understand the call to gentleness and its many benefits, how do we put it into practice?Here are 10 ways you can show gentleness: Here are some bible verses on gentleness to encourage and build you up. Right here on Churchgist, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on examples of gentleness in the bible,meaning of gentleness, and so much more.
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