Gentle On My Mind

I want us to think about the quality today of gentleness. For some reason, all this week I have had gentle on my mind. The apostle Paul teaches us that among the Fruit of the Spirit is the godly quality of gentleness. What is it, anyway? The word for “gentleness” is the Greek word “prautes” (prah-ot-aze) and it connotes the idea of “strength under control.” The word was used of a wild stallion that had been tamed. The horse still had as much power and energy as when it was wild, but it could now be controlled and made useful by its master. That is gentleness.

This Greek word (prautes) and its Hebrew equivalent (‘anah) are sometimes translated as gentle, meek or humble. It is almost kind of an untranslatable word for it contains all three ideas—it is a humble meek gentleness. It’s the qualities contained in two of the first three beatitudes…

Interestingly, there are only two people in all of scripture who are called this—Moses (Numbers 12:3) and Jesus (Matthew 11:29). If these two men help you picture this quality, use it to understand it more perfectly.

So what is it practically and relationally? Gentleness is choosing wisely how to respond to people rather than just reacting to them.

There is a true story of a corporal at Valley Forge who was directing three men as they tried to lift a log into place. It was too heavy, but the corporal commanded them again and again, “All right men, one, two, three, lift!” Then the man berated them repeatedly for failing to lift the log. A man in an overcoat came by and said to the corporal, “Why don’t you help them?” The corporal pulled himself up to full height and replied, “Sir. I’m a corporal.” Without a word, the man, tall and with strong shoulders, stepped over and helped move the log until it went easily into place.” The man was George Washington. This is an example of a gentle, humble giant of a man.

Gentleness is strength under control. It is the way of Jesus and it is what God expects from each of us. So we must learn to be gentle in our—

· Dealings (everyday)
“Let your gentleness be seen by everyone” (Philippians 4:5).

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
 
· Disagreements (as they arise)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24).

Practice being “peace-loving, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit… peacemakers who sow in peace (and who) raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18).

How can we grow this quality in our lives? The secret is found in discipleship. Jesus calls us—“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give 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” (Matthew 11:29).

In discipleship, we learn from Jesus what is true in Jesus. In this case, it is humility and gentleness of heart. May it be so for us!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron