What is Gentleness?
In First Peter we find encouragement not to be so concerned with our external garments that we forget about our internal garments. We are encouraged to wear a spirit of gentleness. “Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding 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.” (1 Peter 3)
We so desire to grow in this gentle and quiet spirit which is precious to Him and for others to experience His gentleness through us. Jesus is our example as He says to us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11) It is such a comfort to follow Him.
Gentleness is known through tenderness, softness of manners, sweetness of disposition and mildness of temper. [Webster]
Gentleness can be shown to others through:
- Our calm presence
- Listening more than we speak or act
- Acts done with tenderness and love
- Speaking respectfully
- Considering others feelings and needs [GCP]
Biblical Thoughts on Gentleness
“Meekness [gentleness] does not speak of weakness, but rather the strength to deny oneself and to walk in grace toward all men.” [MacDonald 2059]
“The common assumption is that when a man is meek [gentle], it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was ‘meek’ because He had the infinite resources of God at His command.” [Vine]
“Meekness is the opposite of being out of control. It is not weakness, but rather supreme self-control empowered by the Spirit.” [MacArthur 1129]
“Put on meekness [gentleness]. Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control. This word was used to describe a soothing wind, a healing medicine, and a colt that had been broken. In each instance, there is power: a wind can become a storm; too much medicine can kill; a horse can break loose. But this power is under control. The meek [gentle] person does not have to fly off the handle because he has everything under control.” [Wiersbe 687]
Gentleness Scriptures
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs it up. (Proverbs 15)
The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2)
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do no fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. (1 Peter 3)
Paul Encourages Gentleness
Paul urged the Corinthians “I urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ.” And questioned if they wanted him to come with discipline or with gentleness, “What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?” (2 Corinthians 10; 1 Corinthians 4)
And to the Ephesians, Paul wrote from prison, “I implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4)
To the Philippians, Paul exhorted, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4)
And to the Galatians, Paul states for us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” And he listed gentleness as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5)
And to the Colossians, Paul champions, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3)
Gentleness Quotes
“Gentleness is a softening in our heart that allows for tenderness and acceptance of another person exactly as they are in that moment. And the fruit of that seems to be, a relaxation in the body and spirit of the other person that creates openness and deepens relationships.” ~Tricia Cerrone
“Most of us, I believe, admire strength. It’s something we tend to respect in others, desire for ourselves, and wish for our children. Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength and other words – like aggression and even violence. Real strength is neither male nor female; but is, quite simply, one of the finest characteristics that any human being can possess.” ~Mr. Rogers
“Everyone carries gentleness within the core of their being. I believe that this gentleness pulses deep within us all and that there are certain steps that we can take to actively bring it out to the surface of our characters.” ~Andy Mort
“Gentle people make and embrace the time and space between something happening and when they respond to it. Gentle people choose to cultivate empathy, and an understanding that the world doesn’t revolve around their perception of reality. Empathy comes through a gentle strength and by observing ourselves, other people, and the situations we experience.” ~Andy Mort
“True gentleness is true strength. Gentleness is not weakness. In fact, it comes from strength and assurance.” ~Tricia Cerrone
God’s Blessing
Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5 AMP)
Key Principle – We are encouraged to live our life in Christ and to ‘put on’ or to ‘clothe ourselves’ with: a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love.
Recommendations:
If you would like to read more about the garments we put on, read Compassion – One of 8 Garments We Wear https://strengthwithdignity.com/clothe-yourself-with-compassion/
And Kindness – One of 8 Garments We Wear Kindness – One of 8 Garments to Wear – Strength with Dignity
Scriptures:
Proverbs 15:1; Matthew 5:5; 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:1a; Galatians 5:16, 22-23; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 4:4-5; Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 Peter 3:3-4, 14-16
References:
10 Ways You Can Live Out Gentleness in the Bible. Published August 21, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2021from [GCP] https://gentlechristianparenting.com/gentleness-in-the-bible/
Amplified Bible (AMP). Copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson, 2005, pages 1129.
MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson, 2016, page 2059.
New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Vine, W. E. Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Published by Fleming H. Revell Company, 1981, page 56.
Webster 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved May 26, 2021 from http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/gentleness
Wiersbe, Warren B. The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete New Testament. Published by David C. Cook, 2007, page 687.
Quotes from: The Power of Gentleness in Everyday Life. Published October 2, 2016. Retrieved June 8, 2021 from https://www.triciacerrone.com/the-power-of-gentleness-in-everyday-life/ and Gentleness is Strength: The 7 Habits of Highly Gentle People from https://www.andymort.com/gentleness-is-strength/
16 thoughts on “Gentleness – One of 8 Garments to Wear”
This is a wonderful reminder of the great things we can do by being gentle. In most circumstances, we don’t have to be loud or forceful. Gentleness can get the job done and in a way that encourages others.
Thanks for all the verses and quotes to meditate on!
The world seems to invite us to be loud and forceful, yet the Lord seems to woo us to be humble and gentle, like Him. You’re right, gentleness encourages others.
I have enjoyed your blog recently. I shared this posting on Facebook-Refining ministry. I am conducting a small women’s retreat next week in Stephenville, TX and plan on sharing a few blogs they might like to follow. I plan on sharing Strength with Dignity! Have a blessed day and thank you for your posting on gentleness.
I have driven through Stephenville several times and it is a pretty area to have a retreat. I hope your women’s retreat goes well and thank you for sharing ‘Strength with Dignity’ with your ladies. I appreciate your encouragement.
So many great verses, quotes, and thoughts in this post. I long for more gentleness to be produced in me!
Amy, I long for gentleness to be reflected in me too!
One of my favorite quotes is that gentleness actually takes great strength!
It takes great strength to refuse to be provoked and react, but instead to choose to remain self-controlled, calm and gentle.
Lisa, I have truly enjoyed this series you are doing on these beautiful attributes! I have gleaned much from your posts on compassion, kindness and humility; gentleness is my favorite! “We so desire to grow in this gentle and quiet spirit which is precious to Him and for others to experience His gentleness through us.” I often pray this verse from 1 Peter, as it is of such great value to God!
The Lord is so kind to lead us and instruct us in the way we should go/grow! Yes, having a gentle and quiet spirit is so valuable and precious to Him! Thanks for the encouragement, Donna.
Gentleness is the prime attribute that attracted me to my late husband & my present husband. Both such godly & loving gentlemen. 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
I’m so glad that your late husband was a gentleman and present husband is a gentleman, Jennifer.
As I read your beautiful reminders, I couldn’t help but think of my maternal grandmother who was such a gentle soul. I realize that her life wasn’t always easy, but you never heard her complain about it.
My grandmothers were the same way. I only heard my paternal grandmother raise her voice one time, and that was when I was ten years old and running towards a rattlesnake (which I didn’t see, but she did) and she hollered at me to stop. I was shocked, I just stared at her. I had never heard her raise her voice before that instance; she was so gentle and kind.
Lisa, that ‘gentle and quiet spirit’ pulls me in like a magnet. That’s who I want to be … and there’s only One who can take me there.
Thanks for sharing these uplifting words.
So true, Linda! He is the only one who can transform us.