Gentleness, A Primary Attribute of Godliness

Paul, appealing to that characteristic in Jesus, gives creditability to his own ministry and uses it as a definition of a vital prerequisite to spiritual warfare in his great message on strongholds. “Now I, Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you” (2 Corinthians 10:1).

Gentleness is the embodiment of the personality of Jesus. While love may be the primary motivator of the Christian life, gentleness is its regulating factor. When a person is gentle, every other aspect of Godly living is brought under control. When he is not gentle, he becomes totally vulnerable to corruption.

Gentleness is characterized by meekness. Almost inevitably, when gentleness is mentioned in the scripture, it is accompanied by an admonishment to, or a description of, meekness. If gentleness is the pivotal characteristic of the Spirit-filled life, meekness is the essential characteristic of gentleness.

To be meek is to have a tame, teachable spirit. In Numbers 12:3, Moses is described as being “meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth.” Jesus encouraged us to take upon ourselves the same yoke that he bore, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly (gentle) in heart, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).

There was never the slightest hint of rebellion in Jesus. He lived a life totally submitted to the Father and as a result was the freest person who ever lived. A person who is meek admits and acknowledges his needs; receiving freely from others the wisdom they can impart.

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus taught us to submit to His yoke; a yoke requiring a life of personal discipline. A person who is gentle will be disciplined in his emotions and thoughts. Only as we are inseparably yoked to Jesus is that possible. I am reminded of my father-in-law's method of breaking horses to harness. He had a chariot he had built which enabled him to step on and off at the back. He had a big gentle horse to which he would harness a younger and undisciplined horse, both of which would be hooked to the chariot. No matter how wild and undisciplined the younger horse was, he inevitably had to submit to the older, bigger horse. The older and bigger horse simply went about his way, acting in obedience to the reins that directed him. Being harnessed to the tame and gentle horse would eventually bring the wilder horse under control and would “gentle” him. This illustrates what Jesus meant when He said, “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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'' (Matthew 11:29-30 NKJ).

Gentleness modifies each of the other fruit in our lives. It exemplifies the quiet and confident spirit of Jesus providing the basis of a successful and effective model for others to emulate. When a person is gentle there will be no hint of anxiety or fearfulness. His gentleness is the product of complete dependence on the Lordship of Jesus and His promises.

Unfortunately, many misunderstand the dynamics of a person who chooses a life of gentleness, thinking it to be weakness. Actually, gentleness is the very antithesis of weakness. David, in his song of victory, affirmed this very fact, “God is my strength and power: and he makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds' feet: and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and THY GENTLENESS HATH MADE ME GREAT. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. (Samuel 22:33-38)

Gentleness must be the defining factor of successful leadership. Paul defined this fact to Timothy and Titus: “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient” (2 Timothy 2:24); “Malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (Titus 3:2).

James offered us a strong admonition on this very subject showing the contrast between fleshly attitudes and behavior as opposed to one that is empowered by the Holy Spirit: “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

May we this day demonstrate His life by letting His gentleness pervade our being.

Jeff

Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors, Jubilee International, P. O. Box 572, Noblesville, IN 46061, Copyright November 2007 by Jefferson H. Floyd. All rights reserved.