On Gentleness

There are two ladies at my church who embody gentleness. I have said it from the start. Their lives are entwined like sisters, and their families are entwined. They are both involved in the praise team and in the hospitality ministries. Their approach to all the people they deal with is constant. I’m sure you know people like them.

chrestotes 

The Koine Greek word for gentleness means moral goodness, integrity, and kindness.

It’s translated as “kindness” by some major versions including NASB, NIV, and NKJV.

Have you ever had someone tell you, “Just relax!,” or how about, “Chill out!,” or, “Chill-ax!”?

Gentleness or Kindness mellows us out. It helps us to react the right way.

inward gentleness

Gentleness or Kindness also comes from God.

Paul uses this word in Romans 2.4 as well:
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (NKJV)

Here the “goodness,” gentleness, or kindness of God is linked to our repentance and salvation.

outward gentleness

Paul declares that God’s goodness, gentleness, or kindness must drive us to treat others right as well.

“‘Kindness’ is a kindness and generosity that tries to put people in the best light.”*

Indeed one of the women I mentioned above is known for the saying, “I pray it’s said about my life that I lived more to build Your name than mine.”

Having such an other-centric focus; this is gentleness.

Furthermore, gentleness or kindness works against our anger and temper.

It truly becomes a characteristic, a trait, or a disposition. We can all think of people we know who have a “sweet spirit” or who are “tenderhearted.”

What if we showed this kind of gentleness or kindness with our church family?

The two ladies I mentioned do just that. One of them has recently opened the doors to welcome more people into her circles, including welcoming them to church. Her gentle heart never ceases to grow and make room for others to feel welcomed.

*Stanley Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit, Rev. ed. (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2005), 179.