Gentleness is a characteristic that God is developing within us. We exercise gentleness when we willingly place ourselves under God’s authority. By practicing humility, thankfulness, forgiveness, and politeness, we influence others through our words, our attitudes, our responses, our actions. We serve others with gentleness.
Scripture says much about people who are examples of gentleness and how we can be an example.
- Moses “was very humble (gentle, kind, devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3, AMP).
- Jesus is identified as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29, AMP). Other places are Philippians 2:5-11 and 1 Corinthians 10:1.
- The meek and humble are examples of gentleness (Matthew 5).
Our challenge is to walk (live, conduct our lives) worthy of our calling with humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:1-3). We are to pursue and be clothed with gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11 and Colossians 3:12). These definitions can be almost impossible at times; yet as we practice gentleness, we serve with grace, selflessness, and mercy. We serve and love others by responding with calmness and self-control—exercising strength under control. (Other Scriptures include Philippians 4:5; Matthew 5:5, and 1 Peter 3:4.)
Our Faith Connections Challenge: Review the Scriptures, and identify ways you can show gentleness and be an influence this week.
Lord, thank You for being a kind, gentle God to us. And we thank You for desiring us to be like You. May we exercise gentleness by serving others and being an influence for Christ. In Your name, Amen.