Gentleness, or as we might call it, humility and meekness, is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Looking at the Greek, Paul uses the word “prautēs,” which has the same root as the word Jesus used to describe those who will inherit the earth in Matthew 5. The word prautēs defines gentleness as mildness, humility, and meekness.
Humility in the Bible
There’s no better example of humility and gentleness than the life of Jesus. Jesus, fully God, became fully man, exhibiting the highest form of meekness and humility this world has ever seen.
Philippians 2:4-8 [ESV] describes His humility: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Jesus showed humility by serving others [Matthew 20:28]. He also demonstrated incredible gentleness as He interacted with the people who surrounded Him. Jesus, in all His holiness, could’ve chosen to cast judgment on the sinners He encountered, but, instead, He made special efforts to be gentle towards those who needed grace and forgiveness the most.
Some examples of this include His interactions with people of lower status in the ancient Jewish culture. Jesus challenged the societal and cultural norms in the way he treated people. He accepted outcasts, empowered women, cared for children, and even extended forgiveness to those who mistreated Him the most.
Accepted outcasts
Jesus never shied away from people on the fringes of society. Even though most people hated tax collectors, Jesus embraced them—He even invited a tax collector to be His disciple! He showed ground-breaking compassion towards those with debilitating illnesses, impairments, or disabilities, and those fighting demons—people who’d been forced out of civilization.
He didn’t just stop at outcasts among His own people. He also ministered to a centurion, a Canaanite woman, and Samaritans. Jesus demonstrated the importance of loving and ministering to those not accepted into high society—the “least of these” [Matthew 25:40]—in stark contrast to the religious leaders’ contempt for anyone of lower standing.
Empowered women
Seen as both socially and spiritually inferior to men, women were often looked down upon, especially if they were unmarried. Jesus was not a respecter of persons—someone who looked down on those of lower standing—but instead exhibited gentleness and compassion in how He treated women.
- When the woman who’d been bleeding for 12 years touched His garment without consent, Jesus displayed gentleness in His response by acknowledging her faith instead of casting her out.
- When the prostitute poured the ointment on Jesus’ feet and washed them with her tears and hair, Jesus was gentle towards her and defended her at the Pharisees’ outcry.
- When the Pharisees brought an adulteress before Jesus and cried for her to be stoned, Jesus didn’t condemn her.
- When Jesus encountered the woman at the well, Jesus ministered to her instead of casting judgment on her life choices.
Jesus also showed great compassion towards widows throughout His ministry. He taught women and let them serve when society wouldn’t entertain the idea.
Cared for children
Jesus embraced and cared for the children that His disciples, annoyed by their presence attempted to keep away from Him. However, Jesus was moved with love and compassion for them, and instead chose to welcome them and prayed over them. Jesus exhibited gentleness with these children, when others would not have taken the time or considered them a nuance.
Forgiveness extended
At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus continued to show gentleness in how He dealt with His accusers. He was tormented, beaten, scorned, and left to die—and yet His heart remained on the souls of the people inflicting pain on Him. In Luke 23:34 [ESV], Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus even extended forgiveness to the thief who repented on the cross next to Him.
Living out the fruit of gentleness
Jesus’ life serves as a great example of how we can live out gentleness and humility in our life. Paul also had great insights. In Ephesians 4:1-2 [NLT], he wrote, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle.” While in prison, Paul noted the importance of seeking peace and unity through humility, gentleness, and patience.
But how does that look practically? How do we put on gentleness in all situations, especially in a world that’s filled with so much wickedness and contention?
Romans 12:14-21 commands us to:
- bless those who persecute us
- live in harmony
- never repay evil for evil
- live peaceably with all
- don’t perform acts of vengeance
- give generously to our enemies.
Bible gentleness
It sounds counterintuitive, but we’re called to respond to the wickedness around us with gentleness, regardless of how hard it is. Ephesians 4:32 [ESV] says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” See the word “tenderhearted” there? It means to be gentle in nature.
In Matthew 11:29 [NLT], Jesus says, “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.” Jesus’ gentle and humble nature is connected to rest. The fruit of gentleness in our lives can produce rest and peace when we choose, like Jesus, to respond to those around us with humility and gentleness.
There’s power in gentleness. Much like Jesus, we can minister to people in ways we would’ve never imagined with this fruit of the Spirit. Today, make a conscious choice to respond with meekness, humility, and a gentle nature.
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