Dear Church of the Open Bible,
I’ve never really aspired to become more gentle. Growing in strength, speed, skill! Those were what mattered. Those were what was celebrated. Don’t get me wrong, gentleness was all around me growing up, but it wasn’t something I sought or aspired to be.
Besides family members, my employer, during my college years as a landscaper, was a great example of gentleness. The way Karl dealt with disgruntled and dissatisfied customers was incredible. It was like a superpower. He never matched the heat of their emotions. He listened. Karl asked questions. He was firm and kept his word, but he appreciated them. And it was amazing to see them soften. The customer is not always right, but responding to them tactfully and with sensitivity always is.
The fruit of the Spirit includes gentleness (Gal 5:23). The way we are to live out our calling is with “all humility and gentleness…” (Eph 4:2). We are to restore others who are in sin, in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). Our leaders are to be examples of gentleness (1 Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7). And, most convincing of all, Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29). This is why we find a continued emphasis on gentleness in our dealing with others.
…speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. - Titus 3:2
I’m beginning to see that gentleness comes from a humble heart. And while I now aspire to it, I’m mostly at the stage of confessing my lack of it (just ask my wife or my kids). Where are you least gentle? At work or online? Who are you least gentle with? Family members or that one neighbour? Join me in praying for hearts that reflect our Lord’s, for He has dealt so gently with us.