…[clothe yourselves with] … gentleness …
Summary: When Paul asks us to put on “gentleness,” he is really suggesting a transformation of the heart.
Our Lord Jesus is …
What kind of person was Jesus while he walked the earth? Would you say he was “gentle?”
How about “meek?” Would you say Jesus was meek?
Everything is relative, I suppose. If you think of Jesus as a person from Nazareth in 33 AD, he might not look meek and gentle. After all, he chased out the merchants and money changers from the temple grounds with a whip (John 2:15).
He wasn’t exactly gentle with the Pharisees, either. Matthew records the “Seven Woes” Jesus pronounced on the leaders of the Jewish people. He calls them “hypocrites” (Matthew 23:13) and “blind guides” (verse 16). He also calls them “snakes” (also verse 33):
“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”
Does that sound meek and gentle?
But let’s consider who Jesus really was so we can put these events in perspective.
Jesus is someone who has unusual powers. He walked on water (John 6:19) and made a fig tree dry up with a few words (Matthew 21:19).
John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus is the Word and the Word is God (John 1:1,14). Jesus tells us that he and the Father are one (John 10:30).
If he had wanted reinforcements, he could have called up an army of angels who would obey his commands (Matthew 26:53).
Jesus is God.
He created everything that exists and then became part of his own creation.
He walked on earth teaching, healing, and caring for his creation, and the leaders he had put in charge of caring for his people were abusing their position.
As their Creator and God, Jesus carries with him both authority and power. If it comes to a question of power and authority, no one can stand against him. With a simple word, all the Pharisees would have dried up and blown away like the withered fig tree.
But Jesus didn’t do that.
Instead, he was gentle with them. Even the whip, when he cleared out the temple courtyard, was gentle compared to the power Jesus could have wielded.
We don’t have the kind of power and authority that Jesus has, but we do have the power of words and the power of anger. Both require restraint.
Gentleness, also translated as “meekness” in many versions of the Bible, is a form of self-control. It is not a “fake” self-control that is only an act for people to see, but a genuine outgrowth of a godly spirit. This is the gentleness Paul wants us to “put on.”
Application: Embrace God’s Holy Spirit and allow it to fill your heart with gentleness.
Food for Thought: How does gentleness impact our relationships with others?
Being gentle with others is very important. When the Holy Spirit enables us to be gentle with others many times Christ is honored in a way He might otherwise not be seen. This can be particularly difficult and challenging with individuals who have mistreated us or seem only to put their own self-interest first and seemingly act without thought for the interest of others.
If we are able to be gentle and kind in such circumstances it may open doorways of opportunity which otherwise might not present themselves or cause this person and /or others to ask themselves why or how is this person able to respond in this manner. They were treated poorly and yet they respond with grace, dignity, gentleness and kindness. Why and how are they able to act like this?
The answer is: Only the power of God can enable such a response. Yes, some will simply believe this person is a weak doormat, who can just be walked over with no consequence. The answer to this is that when and grace and kindness are rejected the believer has a strong advocate and protector who will defend their cause and preserve them in the face of unjust treatment. All may not be made right immediately, or even in this lifetime but justice will come for those who abuse their power or station in life eventually as the judge of all will set things right.
The opportunity which many times presents itself is a new basis for common ground, a realization by one party that an unexpected response of gentleness and kindness as a reaction to poor treatment causes guilt in the offending party and then in response they seek to make amends or act in a better or more civil manner.
Proverbs 25:22 says “When you feed and cloth your enemy it is like putting burning coals on their head.”
The meaning here is your return of “Paying back good for evil” may result in the repentance by the offending party. (See Romans 12:17-21).
The “Burning coals” may refer to an Egyptian expiation ritual, in which a guilty person, as a sign of their repentance, carried a basin of coals on their head. The meaning then, would be that in returning good for evil – and by being so gentle and kind to your enemy by returning good in exchange for evil – you may cause this person to repent or change their ways. In any case, it is stated – “the Lord will reward you”. So even if the enemy remains hostile, we may rely on the Lord’s promise.
The bottom line is “Always return Good in exchange for Evil” from a Sincere heart. God will reward you. He will also deal with evil and your enemy if they don’t change or repent. God’s ways of working may seem unusual but we can be confident in the end they are always wise, right and ultimately we are rewarded and the Lord wins the victory.
Thank you, Jeff.
Well said! Putting self-interest first is always a stumbling block.
Trusting “God’s ways” as you put it, is always a safe path.
Another very good devotional today brother. Thank you.
Gentleness is especially important during conflict. It is an important ingredient that allows two people to be in conflict but walk away from the conversation as friends.
Amen, brother. Amen!
Like the fruits of the Spirit, the more we reflect God’s character as brothers in Christ, the more effective we will be in our roles as the Body of Christ.
How does gentleness impact our relationships with others?
Matthew 11:29, Jesus tells us, “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.”
Gods plan is to call His people and restore the relationship broken by Adam and Eve in the Garden. We are blessed to be allowed to remain on earth for a short period of time as His witnesses of truth to those He brings into our sphere of influence. Jesus is our power of the gentleness of God, our example, of how it is to be properly conveyed toward mankind. His gentleness can also be translated as meekness or humility, a quiet strength that is under control.
This gentleness comes from Jesus as we die to self, are born again into true life in Him, submit to His ministering through us, to others through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Our peace and joy come as we experience God working through us, and witness His power at work in the New, changed lives of all those who respond to His call and begin life in Jesus.
John 3:3, Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
Thank you, Ron!
I like your point about the witness that our godly gentleness shines into the world! So true!