Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Eight

What comes to mind when you think of meekness or gentleness? Someone who is soft-spoken, never confronts, or may seem weak? Those characteristics may be true at some level but true gentleness or meekness is like a powerful stallion who has submitted to a rider. The Greek word gives us the picture of a harnessed horse whose strength is controlled; quite different from weak or quiet.

Jesus exemplified gentleness; He was God manifested on earth with all the power of the Creator within Him and yet He described Himself as gentle.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

Jesus knew all creation was at His fingertips and yet He told us to pattern ourselves after Him with humility and gentleness not self-centerness and control. He taught us how to walk in the Kingdom of God as royalty, as He did, yet controlling our Holy Spirit strength in order to minister to others. Blessed are the meek … (Matt. 5:5) we inherit the earth.

Paul took up the mantle of gentleness as he ministered to the church in person and also through his writings: most of the New Testament. He considered these new churches, fellowships of believers, to be his children who sometimes need correction (1 Cor. 4:14-21):

Shall I come to you with a rod or with love in a spirit of gentleness? Vs. 21

Paul encouraged the churches, even in the midst of correction, to understand their Spirit-driven power but also to harness it as they love people like Jesus. Boldness, yes, but with the gentleness of Christ.

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! 2 Corinthians 10:1 ESV

Can you even imagine all of the problems that must have surfaced when different personalities were combined to form a group of believers into a church? However, when the fruit of gentleness is growing, people using the right blend of force and reserve, unity of the Spirit appears like a piece of fruit (Eph. 4:1-3) ready to be picked.

Paul encouraged us to put on gentleness like (Col. 3:12) a tightly bound yoga shirt and pursue the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:11) even if you have to bring correction. He assures us that the fruit of gentleness will empower us:

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:13, 17 ESV