5 Reasons Why You Got to Show Off Gentleness

The dictionary defines gentleness as having or showing a kind or quiet nature. The Bible says in Philippians 4:5, Let your gentleness be evident to all. When I looked at the different Bible translations for the word “gentleness” in this scripture, I was amazed with so many different shades of the word like considerate, reasonable, gentle spirit, modesty, graciousness/ gracious attitude, humility, forbearing spirit.

Wow! That’s so deep. And as believers we are asked to show off our gentleness.

Here’s why gentleness is needed:

1. Because you got to look like your Father.

Gentleness is the nature of God: Jesus said: I am gentle and humble in heart Mathew 11:29. Here are a couple more scriptures:

Isaiah 40:11 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 42:3 – A bruised reed He will not break and a smouldering wick He will not put off.

King David says in Psalms 18:35, Thou has also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. David wrote this psalm when the Lord delivered him from the hand of Saul and all his enemies. Isn’t it amazing that David doesn’t say -Lord your awesome power or your might made me great, rather he says your gentleness made me great. David made many blunders in his life, but it was God’s gentleness that lifted him up

Another good example is the woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus’ gentle response to her brokenness led her to be a changed woman.

4. A gentle spirit is precious in God’s sight.

Physical beauty can lure but not last, but a gentle spirit is of great worth. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says Your adornment must not be merely external鈥攂raiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

5. Gentleness can bring unnecessary emotions under control

According to Proverbs 25:15, a gentle tongue can break a bone. Also Proverbs 15:1 says, a gentle answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word sits up anger.

Here are 5 ways you can grow in the fruit of gentleness:

1. You need to mature
   The more you start abiding in the Word, the more you will reflect the character and nature of Jesus and every branch that abides in Jesus will bear the fruit of the spirit.
2. Learn to be a listener
   Being gentle involves listening. So listen more and talk less. Also, the more you listen to God, the more you will listen to the hearts of others.
3. Speak the truth, but speak in love (Ephesians 4:15) Correct people when they drift from the right path but correct in love and minister grace through your words. If you really love and have concern for that person, you will say things in a manner that it will cause them to change and not make them bitter.
4. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit

…and you will be sensitive to others.

5. Do not judge.

Hebrew 5:2 says Jesus was able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, because he himself is subject to weakness. How much more should we be gentle in dealing with others.

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