The word that we translate as “gentleness” comes from the Greek word prautes. It was a word used for a wild stallion that was brought under control, tamed by bit and bridle. We would never think of a stallion as “weak” or even “meek” (as the original King James translated the word), but a strong and powerful animal. And so, the true sense of the word prautes is “strength under control.” That’s the meaning of Gentleness, and interestingly, that’s just how Jesus described Himself,

“Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am humble and gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Jesus’ claim about Himself was reinforced by the Apostle Paul who affirmed that Jesus was both “humble and gentle” (2 Cor. 10:1). And if we are going to be “followers” of Jesus Christ, then He is calling each of us to adopt the same character trait that He possessed. Yes, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exhibited the marks of a stallion, that is, “strength under control.”

In addition, God’s Word consistently emphasizes Gentleness as a key virtue for followers of Jesus. As the Apostle Paul listed the “Fruits of the Spirit” in his letter to the churches in Galatia, Gentleness is listed as one of them (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul also wrote to the church in Ephesus urging those believers to,

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

And to the Christians in Colossae, Paul urged them to put on a new set of spiritual clothes, including

“…compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

When Paul had every reason to “scold” the Church in Corinth, he wrote to them the following:

“What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come to you in love and with a gentle spirit” (1 Cor. 4:21)?

And in his instructions to the young pastor Titus, Paul exhorted him to:

“Slander no one, but be peaceable and considerate, always being gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:2).

And finally, when we have an opportunity to share our faith with others, the Apostle Peter exhorts us to,

“… revere Christ as Lord in our hearts. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Indeed, when we share our faith with others, let’s not forget to do it with “gentleness and respect.”

As we can see, being gentle is not a sign of “weakness,” but a demonstration of “strength under control.” And let’s all be reminded that this strength does not come from ourselves, but it comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. And may we also be reminded that it is the Holy Spirit who is the Disperser of all the spiritual gifts, not just Gentleness.

OK friends – Let’s go out and demonstrate true Gentleness toward others, exercising strength under control, remembering that this strength does not come from ourselves, but from God. If you feel like you are lacking such strength, then just ask Him to grant it to you!

May the Lord bless each of you today.