Gentleness

The 8th “Fruit of the Spirit”, Gentleness and Meekness, are so often misinterpreted as weak…. And how wrong that is! The only thing they have in common is that Meek and Weak rhyme…. they do not belong together. Jesus was the Meekest man to have ever walked the earth and He was anything but weak! Gentleness and Meekness are both Strengths with a Gentle and Soft Touch.

Am I Gentle towards my husband, children and friends? Gentle in all of my responses? Gentle in all of my reactions?

Definition: The quality of being kind, a softness of action.  A Tender Character. Not violent

Synonyms:  Humaneness, Soft, Tender, Meek, Pleasant- like a gentle breeze, Humble

I have personally been so challenged with Gentleness lately. When you are pushed to your absolute limit and no one listens…. Then To still remain kind and tender in action is a HUGE CHALLENGE! I hate to admit it but I have failed at doing this lately. I have thought shouting or a more “scary” reaction would get my message through to my children but in these situations, Gentleness is in fact a greater power. This does not mean being a pushover, but being firm in a calm way. I so often find when I don’t respond gently, the situation actually spirals even more out of control and does not help a thing! God tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. Proverbs 15:1, so “Let your gentleness be evident to all”- Philippians 4:5

My favourite descriptive synonym of Gentleness is “Pleasant- like a gentle breeze”. I have such a vivid image of being on the beach with the soft, salty sea breeze blowing in my face. I can literally hear, see and taste it! For me, there is nothing more therapeutic and peaceful than sitting on the beach with a soft sea breeze blowing in my face.  This is so descriptive on the kind of effect I should be having to my children when I react in Gentleness… bringing calm and peace to the situation and not more chaos.

“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). As Mothers, We can all relate to this scripture. It makes the act of gentleness come alive!  When you are first handed your newborn baby for the first time you handle it like it is the most fragile priceless Vase. You handle it with such gentle and tender care. We should be like this to our children, husband and those around us all the time…. Now that is the great challenge!

To be Meek and Gentle brings great reward. “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5) – Wow what a reward! I sure want the attitude of Meekness and the actions of gentleness that goes with it! We can learn more about the attitude of gentleness and actions of meekness from our Ultimate Teacher. So “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29)

One of my most favourite verses is “Let your beauty not be external – the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes – but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in the God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4.  How powerful is that! We so often misinterpret beauty and make it all about the outward appearance…. But your inner beauty truly does radiate out.

Can you think of someone you know who glows with an inner beauty of gentleness and peace? How beautiful is this soft and gentle nature, that literally blows tranquility wherever they go? This should be something we all strive for.

God calls us to be a gentle people. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks, But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15. To be meek (yielded, teachable, responsive) first of all in our relationship with God, and secondly meek (humble, gentle, respectful) in our relationships with people. So I challenge you to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness” Ephesians 4.1-2

Go in Gentleness Beautiful Women of God, Be Like a Pleasant Gentle Breeze wherever you Go <3