2003-01-19 - Passages about Gentleness

Originally Published 1998-11-01

Due to a hectic week at church and work (including a Youth Lock-In), I am sending an encore devotional. I trust that God will speak to you through this one. As usual on Saturday nights, this devotional is simply passages about a topic, with little commentary.

It's not something we hear a lot about nowadays. We are encouraged to be tough, be aggressive (distinguished from assertive, which can be Christlike). But if we follow our Lord, we will often be gentle. Today we will read passages about gentleness. According to Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, 1995, gentleness means "benignity, kindness."

(1 Cor 4:21 NRSV) What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

(2 Cor 10:1-2 NRSV) I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!-- ² I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards.

(Gal 6:1 NRSV) My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.

(Eph 4:1-2 NRSV) I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.

(Phil 4:5 NRSV) Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

(1 Tim 6:11 NRSV) But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.

(2 Tim 2:24-25 NRSV) And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,

(James 3:13 NRSV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.

(1 Pet 3:15-16 NRSV) But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.

Jan

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