Gentleness is the quality or characteristic of being kind, tender, mild-mannered, compassionate, and considerate. Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. Here are some steps you can take to learn how to be more gentle with others: 1. There are many who feel that this is one of the most important aspects of his life and teachings. The New Testament. Copyrights 2021 Gentle Christian Parenting. Speak the truth but watch your tone so that the truth will be well received, however painful it may be. Other faithful followers found this to be true (Job 29:22, 2 Timothy 2:25). Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream ( Isa 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth ( So 7:9 ). 6. Why Gentleness Is So Important As a Christian, you demonstrate the Spirit at work in your life when you show gentleness. We learn to make their aims our aims. The opposite of peace is not war, it's fear. The Oxford Dictionary defines gentleness as, "the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered." Kindness is literally a part of gentleness; the two are intertwined, and therefore when one is portrayed, so is the other. When we celebrate leaders who get things done but do so in a way entirely contrary to Christ, we are tainting our hearts. We are to stand out from the crowd by being different. We grow in gentleness much in the way that we grow in every fruitwe abide in Jesus. Show empathy. It seems to be synonymous with being a good person. In the Scriptures gentleness is at times translated as meekness. The biblical concept of gentleness is often misunderstood. Far from dismissing gentleness, the Scriptures speak of gentleness as the way the kingdom of God "gets things done.". Gentleness can also lead to less stress and anxiety in life. I get upset easily and raise my voice. Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). After all, he was a man who was without sin and yet he showed great compassion and mercy towards others, even those who were sinners. He was a rough man by trade, but when it came to leading men to Christ, he employed great gentleness. Gentleness helps us experience Jesus. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1). It is used in the OT to show God as being a kind and benevolent ruler. It can be described with one word from the Book of Books. There is one main Greek word translated gentlenessprauetes. Gentleness is more than just being nice and kind and caring towards others; its actually the quality of God Himself who has been poured out into our hearts by His Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:5). The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is patience? If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. We will not be easily offended and will control our tempers. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Its hard to extend grace when someone has offended us. 8. . That is having peace with others. January 15, 2016 by Lauren Abraham in [ Spiritual Life ] "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You can also check out these gentle parenting bible study discussion guides.This post was written by guest blogger Meaghan Jackson ofGentle Parenting Coaching. Gentleness is closely related to humility and meekness. In the New Testament it is the translation of epios, "mild," "gentle" (1Thessalonians 2:7; 2Timothy 2:24), and of epieikes, "fitting" "proper," etc. Here Christ makes a connection between gentleness and humility. In doing so, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and demonstrate his love to the world. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Galatians 5:22-23. 5:16, 22-23) . True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Paul then continues to model gentleness in the way he preaches (1 Thes 2:7 and 1 Cor 4:21). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Colossians 3:20 (esv). Do you ever find yourself thinking this way? Gentle Like a Shepherd. Some people would say that peace is the opposite of war, when there is no fighting or violence. Download these beautiful gentle scripture cards for free here! Ad revenue is generated off of page views. For more help incorporating gentleness into your parenting, consider working with Meaghan.Learn More About Meaghan here.Enjoy this post? Such an invitation, from such a person, is precious beyond words. Proverbs indicates that gentle words turn away wrath and are a tree of life (Proverbs 15:1,4). It's about how we treat others, even when they don't treat us well. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. The opposite of temperance is self-indulgence. Gentleness is one of the most important virtues in the Bible. The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Jesus. Required fields are marked *. Talk to a trusted friend or counselor about the hurt youve experienced. In the Old Testament, gentleness is illustrated in the bible as a stream or river (Isaiah 8:6) and also to a shepherd caring for his flock of lambs (Isaiah 40:11). This is the spirit of gentleness that we are called to as followers of Christ. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Paul showed kindness and gentleness toward those who persecuted him (see Acts 23). In other words, its not weakness; its strength under control. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Gentleness is something Christians must learn. Jesus teaches us, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). To be gentle means showing love and care for others in how you act and speak. The gentleness of our God has the attributes of love, grace, mercy as well as judgment. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? Just like how Jesus was gentle with the woman in this story, God is gentle with us. We can ask Him to reveal ways we can show gentleness to others so that we may reflect His character. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! We have to ask ourselves if gentleness doesnt work, perhaps we are striving for the wrong kingdom. They are not easily angered, and they are quick to forgive. What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is goodness? Cognate: 4240 prats (compare 4236 /prats, another feminine noun which is also derived from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of the meekness) - meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Harshness is usually the response of someone with little power trying to attain it through violence. It should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as a strength. 13:5) That means we need to recognize when our anger has run out of control and learn how to stop it before it gets out of hand. When Jesus said Blessed are the meek, He was not talking about people who are doormats or pushovers. . The Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek NT defines it this way: Prautes denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself, in particular, in a patient submissiveness to offense, free from malice and desire for revenge controlled strength, the ability to bear reproaches and slights without bitterness and resentment; the ability to provide a soothing influence on someone who is in a state of anger, bitterness and resentment against life the word indicates an obedient submissiveness to God and His will, with unwavering faith and enduring patience displaying itself in a gentle attitude and kind acts toward others, and this often in the face of opposition.. One definition comes from Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness. Another translation says, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering. The word for gentleness here means strength under control or power working itself out in love. Both qualities come from God and both are fruits of His Spirit at work in our lives. While many view meekness as a weakness, it is actually strength under control. It is described as a quiet spirit, will not harm a bruised reed the shield of your salvation. As a result, our children learn to trust us and to respond to us with respect. All rights reserved. harshness. So when the Messiah came at last, many assumed he was going to be a cultural and political Savior,. We do this whenever we feel afraid of the future. 11 Points: How Did Aaron Die in the Bible? Galatians 5:22-25. Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. Gentle Christian Parenting is a participant in affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other sites at no extra cost to you. Gentleness is an attitude or disposition that involves treating others with care and courtesy (1 Pet 3:8). Gentleness isnt weakness; its not passive or submissive either. Truth be told, it takes a strong person to be truly gentle. The current search on Oak Island is slow and methodical. The opposite is "unbridled anger, harshness, brutality, and self-expression." ("Self-expression" is the picture of someone who struts and shows off.) He is slow to anger and forgiving of sinners. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Beauty and Ugliness Beauty and ugliness are . Being gentle makes others more willing to listen to you. It is the opposite of being harsh with others. Meditate on Scripture verses about forgiveness and grace. It requires great strength and self-control. Gentleness is one of the most important virtues in the Bible. In addition, it is important to acknowledge the ways in which God is gentle with us. In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Acts 24:4 translated "clemency") is in 2Corinthians 10:1 translated "gentleness," "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Macc 2:22 "favour," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"); chrestotes, "kindness," "usefulness," is translated "gentleness" in Galatians 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness"; chrestos is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Luke 6:35), and chrestotes seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness. But what does it mean to be gentle? The Bible is filled with examples of gentleness, both from God and from Jesus. So, what does gentleness mean? Developing Christian Gentleness is a sermon from Galatians 5:22-23 about the six ways that the Holy Spirit helps a Christian learn to be gentle. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. Proud member In the Old Testament the Septuagint uses it once in Psalm 45:4. He was always willing to forgive those who had sinned against him and he always treated others with respect, no matter who they were. The power of our words can be life-giving and diffuse a tense situation. It is necessary, then, that we wield this authority with gentleness. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. I know some people who have a lot of gentleness. In the New Testament Jesus comes as the perfect example of being gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29). This is what we are called to do as Christs disciples! Doesnt gentleness keep us from getting things done? What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? of Sometimes gentleness is used interchangeably with "meekness" in the Bible. We have swallowed the worlds view of power and control. Christlikeness begins with a willingness to forgive and move forward. There have always been arguments on whether it is an attribute to desire or avoid. Jesus' words mirror those spoken by David: Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. It is related to another Greek word often used in the New Testament, (tapeinophrosyne), which speaks of humility or lowliness of mind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. Gentleness is a value and quality in one's character. Is It True That Gentleness Gets Nothing Done. According to that definition, one could say that gentleness isnt doing, it is being done to. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Gentleness doesn't come naturally. We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.. 2. Gentleness in our day of polarization and heated rhetoric might go a long way in helping people to see the beauty of Jesus. Gentleness is powerful because it is godly. So glad to hear it was encouraging to you it is extra challenging to be gentle when we feel like our needs are being intruded on. The apostle Paul stated that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be . Gentleness remembers that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), and we are all trying to find our way through this ungentle world. This means that we are to be gentle with others, even when they have wronged us. Meaghan is a homeschooling mom of 3 boys and a gentle Christian parenting coach. He emphasizes the gentle aspect of meekness toward others. Gentleness in marriage As wives, we don't have the physical strength our husbands do, usually. People have been searching for this treasure for hundred of years. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); My Goal Is to Inspire You and Help You Have Fun Serving Our Lord - Have Fun Greg, 11/22 I added a New Feature - There will be a JLT Video Video that you can play - It will Show Lesson in Caption Form - If you turn on your sound it will Read it to You -I will have all added by 3/23 - God Bless Greg, 12/22 I have added a New Feature - Where applicable I will add a Quiz - to sharpen your knowledge going forward as we do lessons - Feel Free to Use it as you Like - Have Fun Greg, 1/12/23 I Have Added a New Category - Bible Verses on - The Topic We are Covering Will Now have a List of Associated Bible Verses - Enjoy, 2/17/2023 I Have Added a New Feature Each Lesson will Have a Unique Facts Page about the Topic - Enjoy Greg, 2/10/2023 I have Begun a New Series of Lessons - "What does the Bible Say About" I am Working Through Major Topics in Bakers Illustrated Bible Dictionary - for my Topics (Adding 30 Topics / Month} - Feel free to use - Greg, Leading Missionary Teams for 40 Years"Where Their is No Vision - The People Perish" KJVProverbs 29:18" As Iron Sharpens Iron - So One Person Sharpens Another"Proverbs 27:17"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently ( Gal 6:1 ). There is a secondary word, epieikes, which refers to being gentle, gracious, and forbearing. There is a secondary word, epieikes, which refers to being gentle, gracious, and forbearing. Doing so creates a closer connection and will save you from needless hardships in your relationships. Some of these people include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. Against such things there is no law. To have gentleness is to have a gentle spirit or nature about you. But what is gentleness? I have been helped in the area of gentleness, Youre welcome glad to hear its helpful! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. However, Scripture reminds us that we are called to be gentle with others, even in the midst of difficult times. Its helpful to think about the areas where we are tempted to respond with harshness instead of gentleness. There are many benefits to being gentle, including happiness, better relationships, and less stress. So let us always be gentle! It stands in contrast to baseness ( Deuteronomy 28:54 Deuteronomy 28:56 ), harshness ( 2 Sam 18:5 ), and wildness ( Job 41:3 ). Gentleness is not weakness, but rather a powerful force for good in the world. The biblical concept of gentleness is based on the idea that humans are made in the image of God and are therefore to be treated with dignity and respect. This is why this grace is listed among the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for God to help you forgive those who have hurt you. He can exercise each office concurrently while at the same time not neglecting any of the other attributes . Gentleness also means that we are patient with those who disagree with us, because they may have valid reasons for their position or opinion. One definition comes from Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness. Another translation says, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering. The word for gentleness here means strength under control or power working itself out in love. That word is gentleness. Through Christ we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. We are to exercise our spiritual strength in love. His manner is not harsh or abrasive. In a world that can often be harsh and violent, the ability to show gentleness is a true strength. Note that the Catholic church includes a few additional fruits as part of tradition, listing 12: When we are full of the Holy Spirit, we will have the fruit of gentleness in our lives. Gentleness is an important virtue because it makes the world a better place. We see in Jesus a deeper definition of gentleness. . This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you, if you choose to purchase through one of the links on this page. Matthew 18:21-35. A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener ( 2 Tim 2:25 ; 1 Peter 3:15 ). It is important to Christians because it is important to God. In Galatians it is a mark of being led by the Spirit and it is shown as an example of walking in step with the Spirit in Galatians 6:1. And God in Christ is exemplified by the gentleness with which he labored among others. The rules of life will be changed, bent in the direction of gentleness and peace, not just any . Luke 22:42, John 4:34, 7:16-17. Now, it's not to say that, if things are not peaceful, then war won't exist. The quality of gentleness is the opposite of harshness with others. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" ( 1 Thess 2:7 ). It was a failure, and he tore up a good deal of potential evidence. Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. Let your gentleness be known of all men. From these examples of gentleness in the bible, we can picture a soft touch, calm reassurance, and a loving hand. The biblical book of James says that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6). sometimes it requires great gentleness. In this verse, Paul makes it clear that gentleness is not something from the Law or from human effort or will power; rather, it comes from Gods grace through faith in Jesus Christ. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. And they bring the gospel of peace with gentleness and love, not harshness. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Be subject to and obey God's word. The person who is "cool with everything," who is never disagreeable, who always compliments and never criticizes, is not necessarily gentle. But thats ignorant of Roman history and the state of corruption within the religious leaders in his day. Its not easy to achieve but worth striving for because then you can live at peace with yourself and others all around you. Jesus was gentle, even when He was being crucified. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Im too self-centered to stop and kiss my childs scraped knee. brutality. Click here to read more verses about gentleness. The Bible does more than answer this question, so lets learn about gentleness in the Bible, Gentleness Definition In The Bible, definition of gentleness in the bible kjv and examples of gentleness in the bible what implications this has for our lives today. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and it's not just a nice thing to be. It is the opposite of being harsh with others. The opposite of gentleness is: Rudeness, manipulation, or disrespect. We are harsh and brutish when we are attempting to grab ahold of authority or power that isnt our own. When you do this you can then look for ways to meet those needs and truly help work through those feelings. People who are gentle tend to be happier and more content with life. These verses can be applied to any relationship or interaction with have with others. So now that we understand the call to gentleness and its many benefits, how do we put it into practice?Here are 10 ways you can show gentleness: Here are some bible verses on gentleness to encourage and build you up. I was defending my need to not have my thoughts intruded upon frequently. He discloses himself not just in wind and earthquake and fire, but in "a gentle whisper" ( 1 Kings 19:11-13 ). It is displayed by Good Behavior and one of the fruits of the spirit, in the hidden person of the heart. Your email address will not be published. What is the definition of gentleness? Instead, we gently express what we believe without being critical or judgmental. Antonyms: drunkenness, excess, gluttony, greed, intemperance, intoxication, reveling, revelry, self-indulgence, sensuality, wantonness Synonyms: abstemiousness, abstinence, continence, fasting, frugality, moderation, self-denial, self-restraint, sobriety, temperance Preposition: The negative side of virtue is abstinence from vice. I am too busy to listen to my child's story. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. Gentleness is an important quality for Christians to develop if they want to be effective in spreading Gods Word and helping others come closer to Christ. Therefore, someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered, or feels the need for revenge. People should be able to see Christ in us because we are kind and gentle to others, even when they are not to us. This means more "that which is fitting, right, and equitable." "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, " exhorts Paul ( Eph 4:2 ). Gentleness is a requisite for a servant of God, particularly one in a responsible position of oversight. Posted by ; royal canin yorkie dog food reviews; parkland psychiatric hospital dallas, tx . Gentleness is typically used as an opposite of harshness. You may also enjoy:The Responsibilities of a Parent in the BibleChildren Should Be Seen and Not Heard A Biblical PerspectiveFree Bible Verse Coloring Pages (including the fruit of the Spirit bible verse), Your email address will not be published. We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. Gentle occurs in the Old Testament only in the Revised Version (British and American) of Jeremiah 11:19, "I was like a gentle lamb" (kebhes). Because gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can show true gentleness. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. The opposite of gentleness might be rudeness, being mean, or not considering other people's feelings. Gentleness also means that we are patient with those who disagree with us, because they may have valid reasons for their position or opinion. Note here that the opposite of gentleness is a desire for revenge, anger, and self -aggrandizement. Consider Revelation 21 as a passage to meditate upon. But His grace is sufficient for us, right!? Be considerate of others feelings and needs. James contrasts gentleness with filthiness and rampant wickedness. It is the mark of being one of wisdom. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. They are finding things that have been overlooked for years. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, take a moment to ask God for his gentleness, and then extend that same grace to those around you. In the 1960s, one man decided to use heavy equipment and bulldozers to move earth and get 100 feet below ground to access the treasure. When we humble ourselves and remember that we too are sinners in need of forgiveness, it becomes easier to extend grace. alain picard wife / ap calculus bc multiple choice / opposite of gentleness in the bible. And does it accomplish things? Its not a weakness, but a strength. Join us here for a short study on gentleness in the bible and how to live it out. This is why someone like Coco Chanel could say that gentleness doesnt get things done.