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If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on the Bible's repeated command that our interactions, disagreements, and even defense of the faith be characterized by… Gentleness. A thread:
Gentleness is a “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:23). To “walk in a manner worthy” of our calling means walking “with all humility and gentleness” (Eph 4:1-2). That posture is one of the ways we maintain “unity” in the Church (Eph 4:3).
Gentleness is a requirement for pastors! "The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, ... patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness," and God uses that gentleness to bring “repentance” and “knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim 2:24-25).
Gentleness is a command for all believers! “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be GENTLE, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2).
For the Bible scholars, note that it’s not just Paul who says this. After warning that “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” (also "a restless evil, full of deadly poison”), James tells us true wisdom is “peaceable, gentle, [and] open to reason” (James 3:6, 8, 17).
Aren’t Christians supposed to contend for the faith, always be prepared to “make a defense," as Peter commands? Absolutely, but how do we go about it? Peter tells us, “do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15).
Do you know who else was gentle? Jesus, our Savior. He describes Himself(!) as “gentle and lowly” in heart, and taught us it is the “meek” (often translated as “humble” or “gentle”) who will “inherit the earth” (Matt 11:29, 5:5).
In an age where political, social, and religious division is rampant, where many feel the Church and/or religious freedom are under attack, and where our “opponents” are loud, vocal, even hateful, what would happen if believers started taking seriously the call to gentleness?
I’ll end with a book recommendation. @daneortlund’s book, Gentle and Lowly, is my family’s Book of the Year, and helped prime my heart to see these themes. Understanding Christ’s heart for us frees us to love others like He does. https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Lowly-Christ-Sinners-Sufferers/dp/1433566133/
