Your email address will not be published. Gentleness is not weakness, but rather a powerful force for good in the world. Its a quality of character. For some, gentleness can be a tough . The opposite of gentleness is: Rudeness, manipulation, or disrespect. The opposite of peace is not war, it's fear. In other words, its not weakness; its strength under control. Before we can begin to unpack what it means to have gentleness we must first look into the meaning of the word. 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. It can be described with one word from the Book of Books. But thats ignorant of Roman history and the state of corruption within the religious leaders in his day. Gentleness is an attitude or disposition that involves treating others with care and courtesy (1 Pet 3:8). Instead, we gently express what we believe without being critical or judgmental. The opposite is "unbridled anger, harshness, brutality, and self-expression." ("Self-expression" is the picture of someone who struts and shows off.) There are many benefits to being gentle, including happiness, better relationships, and less stress. We have swallowed the worlds view of power and control. This is shown in our thoughts and in the way we interact with those around us. Required fields are marked *. Furthermore, when we are gentle with our children, we help them to develop into well-rounded individuals who are able to navigate the challenges of life with grace and strength. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Gentleness. Just as with the humble we see that God is working to defend and rescue the poor. The word can also be used to translate another Hebrew word that refers to things like enduring hardship (Psalm 132:1), toil and trouble (Psalm 89:10). This means more that which is fitting, right, and equitable. Think of this more as being kind and nice. His manner is not harsh or abrasive. Consider others as important and worthy of kind regard. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). He was a rough man by trade, but when it came to leading men to Christ, he employed great gentleness. His laws are also reasonable and easy to obey; neither He nor they enslave. Therefore, someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered, or feels the need for revenge. Far from dismissing gentleness, the Scriptures speak of gentleness as the way the kingdom of God "gets things done.". But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 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). I hope you enjoy and come back often. There is a secondary word, epieikes, which refers to being gentle, gracious, and forbearing. When we are full of the Holy Spirit, His fruit will be seen in our lives. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Its a quality of character. He was talking about people who have mastered themselves their appetites, their passions, and their pride so that they can act with wisdom and self-control instead of being controlled by their emotions. Christlikeness begins with a willingness to forgive and move forward. And how can you use gentleness to improve your relationships with others? considerateness.5 The Interpreter's Bible says it is the opposite of hubris, the Greek word for haughty, boastful inso-lence.6 To try to understand gentleness further, let us go through the passages in the Bible where the Greek word prautes is used. Show empathy. It requires great strength and self-control. Note here that the opposite of gentleness is a desire for revenge, anger, and self -aggrandizement. Why is it important for Christians to be gentle? The one who is truly wise and who has received the implanted word will be marked by gentleness. When we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. When people are kind and caring, they are more likely to get along with others and resolve conflicts peacefully. We study the arrival of guilt, an argument about guilt, and the answer to guilt. unkindness. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? This means more "that which is fitting, right, and equitable." Its helpful to think about the areas where we are tempted to respond with harshness instead of gentleness. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? We may picture someone who is easily intimidated or who shrinks back from conflict. It is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit by good work and a gentle tongue. In many languages, gentleness and meekness are equated with gentle speech. 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. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" ( 2 Cor 10:1 ). The good news is that Gentleness can be learned. General Editor. Gentleness can also be a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the opposite of harshness and violence. Gentleness extends grace (undeserved favor), love, and kindness to even the most difficult-to-like people. When we attempt to restore someone caught in sin, we are to do it in a spirit of gentleness. In 2 Timothy and in Titus, gentleness is to mark the Christian leader. Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently ( Gal 6:1 ). Its a way of dealing with people, yourself, and God. We never know when our gentleness will lead someone to Christ. 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. Ill be blunt and say that one of the best things you can do to grow in a spirit of gentleness would be to turn off the 24-hour news stations and talk radio. When we are gentle with our children, we model for them the way God treats uswith patience, understanding, and love. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" ( Isa 40:11 ). In the Old Testament the Septuagint uses it once in Psalm 45:4. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is kindness? Gentleness is something Christians must learn. We should also work at controlling our tempers with grace, kindness, patience, forgiveness, love and respect for others. 5:22). As any parent knows, raising children can be a rewarding but challenging task. Consider Galatians 5:23 which says that gentleness is part of the fruit (or evidence) of the Holy Spirit within us. In doing so we will win over those who hear us. They are often areas where we carry deep wounds and trauma from our past. Gentleness is a virtue that is praised in the Bible and throughout history. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Yield, surrender, and submit your will to the will of God. hardness. But what does it mean to be gentle? Its not a weakness, but a strength. Isa 53:7 ). God himself spoke to Elijah as a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). The Greek word describes someone who has power but chooses not to use it harshly or selfishly. Toughness and controlled anger in a just cause are not the opposite of gentleness. What does this look like? Watch your tone so that what you have to say will be well received. He emphasizes the gentle aspect of meekness toward others. Gentleness remembers that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), and we are all trying to find our way through this ungentle world. It is a trait that is godly, and as His children God expects us to become gentle, as He is. As you seek to grow more gentle, focusing on or memorizing these verses will strengthen you and help you be more successful. As parents and caregivers, let us always remember the power of gentleness in shaping the hearts and minds of our children. Other faithful followers found this to be true (Job 29:22, 2 Timothy 2:25). This means that we are to be gentle with others, even when they have wronged us. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. We can ask Him to reveal ways we can show gentleness to others so that we may reflect His character. He went peacefully to His death because He knew it was the only way to save us from our sins. In fact, it was his gentleness that allowed him to touch the hearts of so many people and change their lives forever. The opposite of gentleness is anger, a desire for revenge, and self-importance. That is the biblical picture of gentleness. 10. 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. GENTLENESS. To me, its important to raise my children with gentleness and tenderness. 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. And does it accomplish things? Being gentle makes others more willing to listen to you. Truth be told, it takes a strong person to be truly gentle. It is the ability to be kind and loving even in the face of adversity. Galatians 5 . The Old Testament. The Bible is full of examples of Gods character, and one of the most prominent traits is His gentleness. Its the opposite of anger and harshness. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus takes upon himself this descriptor: I am gentle and lowly in heart., And when Jesus tells us what animates him most deeply, what is most true of himwhen he exposes the innermost recesses of his beingwhat we find there is: gentle and lowly. (Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly, 19). I use sarcasm and snap back at my childrens remarks. The Bridge Bible Fellowship. We're also more likely to receive blessings from God. It can only tell us what we should not do and why its wrong. But more specifically we grow in gentleness by practicing it. Finally, we can incorporate gentleness into our own lives. But the Holy Spirit gives us a new quality for living, which is gentleness (1 Peter 3:4). Thank you for this devotion that I will pin, and print and place in my Gentleness devotional. Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, But you, man of God, run from these things,and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,love, endurance, and gentleness. Posted by ; royal canin yorkie dog food reviews; parkland psychiatric hospital dallas, tx . What does it look like to be gentle? . It is used similarly to prautesbut is more of an opposite of violence. Jesus had it: " I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls " ( Matthew 11:29, ESV). 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 a virtue that is praised in the Bible and throughout history. If you want to see real, biblical gentleness, open your bible to one of the gospels, and reflect on Jesus's words and actions. Check Out Amazon Educational Resources on The Spirit of Gentleness. Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered brutality unkindness hardness harshness imperviousness roughness cruelty savagery inhumanity barbarity viciousness atrocity sadism heartlessness ruthlessness barbarousness savageness fiendishness bestiality atrociousness barbarism brutishness mercilessness wickedness bloodthirstiness More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! 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 would mean that if we have an opportunity to help someone else but it would cost us something, then we should do whatever we can to help them instead of just focusing on ourselves. Gentleness is one of the most important virtues in the Bible. Galatians 5:23 says, against such there is no law.. Gentleness is closely related to humility and meekness. The quality of gentleness is the opposite of harshness with others. Again, the goal is always the unity of the Spirit; that is the demonstrated testimony of transforming gospel power. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. There are many benefits to being gentle, including happiness, better relationships, and less stress. Such an invitation, from such a person, is precious beyond words. 9. In sum, the Scriptures show God as a kind and gentle leader. But for me, it was quite revelatory. In our increasingly polarized society, Christians are also succumbing to the idea that what we really need is brute strength to get things done. Listen to this story in the Bible about a not-very-gentle king: Tell story from 1 Kings 12:1-15. What is gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit? Is it not fitting then for believers to exude this same characteristic? Of all the character traits which could have been part of the fruit of the Spirit, why is gentleness in that list? Ad revenue is generated off of page views. The apostle Paul wrote that gentleness was one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Jesus teaches us, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). I justified it as being 64 and still having children at home (Intellectually challenged). I know some people who have a lot of gentleness. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a298435548fac6131ddbee45a6669aa4" );document.getElementById("e218d56cc5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Yet, he is gentle with us. Just like how Jesus was gentle with the woman in this story, God is gentle with us. But the more we come to know the God who holds our future, as well as where God is taking us, the less prone we will be to carry around a harsh and bitter spirit within our hearts. brutality. Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. But what does it mean to be gentle? Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It's about how we treat others, even when they don't treat us well. We're more likely to listen and understand others when we're gentle. When we see it this way, we can begin to work toward becoming gentler. It's a beauty that you don't have to go through all kinds of cosmetic surgery or makeup routines to preserve. That whole book was completely opposite of what we're going to talk about this morning, which is having a gentleness about our life. The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Jesus. Teach Them Obedience. Its the opposite of anger and harshness. The Bible is replete with commands for us to be gentle. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. When we celebrate leaders who get things done but do so in a way entirely contrary to Christ, we are tainting our hearts. This verse tells us that we should not only be kind toward others but also put their needs before our own. The apostle Paul wrote, Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Typically, those are areas where we are acting in the flesh instead of in the Spirit. Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus is explaining why we should embrace His way of life. A few years ago, Robert Ringer wrote two best-selling books that even encouraged people to be aggressive in the dog-eat-dog business world. According to that definition, one could say that gentleness isnt doing, it is being done to. One commentator described our culture in North America as "restless, rootless, and ruthless." Gentleness is the opposite . God always speaks and acts in a gentle way. It seems to be synonymous with being a good person. 4. What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? The power of gentleness should never be underestimated, especially when it comes to raising children. We grow in gentleness by surrounding ourselves with gentle people. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Its a way of dealing with people, yourself, and God. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is joy? We are to exercise our spiritual strength in love. Gentleness is feeling this way about other human beings. Gentleness is a soft answer, even when the words might hurt the recipient (Galatians 6:1). opposite of gentleness in the bible. 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). Rather than asserting superiority, someone who is gentle wants to help others, even when they have been done wrong. Great damage has been done by Christians who have wielded God-given authority for their own ends instead of for the kingdom. of People who are gentle tend to be happier and more content with life. Scripture says for a woman to have that internal heart attitude of meekness or gentleness and a quiet spirit gives her a beauty that is imperishable. When we are patient and kind with those who are hurting, we offer them a glimpse of the hope and healing that is found in Jesus. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Gentleness means taking into account someone or something's well being. If God were brutish, not a one of us could stand. And these are the people whom I admire the most. unkindness. We should also work at controlling our tempers with grace, kindness, patience, forgiveness, love and respect for others. When we humble ourselves and remember that we too are sinners in need of forgiveness, it becomes easier to extend grace. In the Bible, gentleness is a virtue that many people are encouraged to develop. synonyms Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. He was said to have been cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Heres everything you need to know about this virtue and how you can use it in your life! He is gentle with you. Required fields are marked *. That is the biblical picture of gentleness. Let your gentleness be known of all men. That means that if you want to be like Jesus, then gentleness should be one of your top priorities. We need to allow God to work in us so that we can be more like Jesus every day. Consider how you talk to yourself. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Although gentleness in the Bible is also translated as "meekness". Its a quality that we should all strive to embody, especially in our relationships with others. If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. Let's think of when Jesus portrayed kindness and gentleness. It requires humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, kind behavior towards others. It is the opposite of pride, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.. Gentleness is a requisite for a servant of God, particularly one in a responsible position of oversight. Ephesians 4:1-2. Even in His rebuke, God restrains Himself and speaks with a gentle tone (1 Kings 19:12). What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Harshness, meanness, or malice. God wants children to learn obedience to Him through their parents. It is used in the OT to show God as being a kind and benevolent ruler. It is not weakness, nor does it mean that we should never stand up for ourselves. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is faithfulness? Your email address will not be published. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. Even in our sin, He continues to love us. 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 are to be calm and respectful when speaking with others. About 5 years ago, Robert Ringer wrote the book Looking Out For Number One. Baseness or wildness. and pushy. Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. Gentleness Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary (biblestudytools.com) These individuals were known for their kindness, care, and compassion for others. Here is a sample of their uses. To understand what gentleness looks like in practice, lets look at some examples from scripture: Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. All rights reserved. Here are some steps you can take to learn how to be more gentle with others: 1. Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter ( Jer 11:19 ; cf. It is important to have an accurate perception of what gentleness is. It is the opposite of being harsh with others. The LORD recently spoke to me about how harsh I can be. In fact, it mentions it in several places. We live in a broken world, and it can be easy to become jaded and hardened by the pain we see around us. Finding healing in those wounds can often help us to respond with gentleness instead of harshness. You could also have the children play the role . I'm Megan, and this is my creative space. Gentleness, also translated "meekness," does not mean weakness. He will still be gentle and lowly in heart. 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. One example is found in 1 Peter 3:4-5: But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in Gods sight is very precious., Another example is found in Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.. All rights reserved. sometimes it requires great gentleness. In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner.". When we are full of the Holy Spirit, we will have the fruit of gentleness in our lives. So he drew his sword and was about to kill himself (Acts 16:27) But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here. (Acts 16:28) And he called for lights and rushed in and fell down before Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29-30a) Then he took them both out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30b). Philippians 2:3). In addition, gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, so when we choose to respond with gentleness, even in tough situations, we are bearing witness to the power of God working in our lives. The Bible tells us that God is gentle and loving and that we should imitate His character in our own lives. We are harsh and brutish when we are attempting to grab ahold of authority or power that isnt our own. I am too busy to listen to my child's story. 11:28-30 ) It's no accident that these words have been greatly celebrated. We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. The gentleness of our God has the attributes of love, grace, mercy as well as judgment. Be subject to and obey God's word. They also tend to have better relationships with others. So, what does gentleness mean? There are two other types of peace. As a result, our children learn to trust us and to respond to us with respect. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (Titus 3:1-2). Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. As a parent, I see gentleness as one of the most important character qualities we need to focus on in our family. The Bible says that gentleness is not soon angry. (1 Cor. Honestly, a change in our worldview/theology would do a great deal of work here as well. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. You can also check out these gentle parenting bible study discussion guides.This post was written by guest blogger Meaghan Jackson ofGentle Parenting Coaching. You will be blessed and rewarded by God when you get to heaven and receive His peace and favor here on earth too. In doing so, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and demonstrate his love to the world. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and . Cruelty and unkindness. Posted on Monday, May 17, 2021 by K-LOVE Pastors. 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.. These two qualities seem to go together. I think that fashion doesnt have to cost a fortune. It is the opposite of harshness and roughness. 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. What the Bible is . Through prayer, we can ask God to give us a spirit of gentleness and take away any feelings of self-righteousness. But it is also important to remember that he was a man who was deeply compassionate and full of mercy. 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. By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people ( Gal 5:23 ). It is displayed by Good Behavior and one of the fruits of the spirit, in the hidden person of the heart. But what is gentleness? Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and its not just a nice thing to be. Prautes describes a condition of mind and heartan internal attitudewhereas gentleness (mildness combined with tenderness) refers to actionsan external behavior. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. Gentleness [N] Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love. Gentleness may be one of the greatest needs in our day. II Corinthians 10:1 refers to Christ's meekness ( prautes) and gentleness ( epieikeia) as separate virtues. Listen more than you speak or act (James 1:19). . The New Testament. Is it? In the OT its often translated humbleas in Psalm 24:9, 33:3, 75:10, 146:6, and 149:4. Gentleness Defined Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. The Bible says that gentleness is "not soon angry." (1 Cor. Download these beautiful gentle scripture cards for free here! God is often described as being gentle. Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. For starters, Gentleness is the opposite of anger. Do you ever find yourself thinking this way? Fruit of The Spirit - Gentleness. Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Gentleness, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Gentleness. Against such things there is no law. The New Testament is full of examples of Jesus gentleness. 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. Often our harshness comes from a place of fear. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. And that is exactly what this world needs to see in us instead of harsh words, gentle words showing us as gentle people. Posted On mayo 20, 2021 Round table will begin shortly after services. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is patience? He is slow to anger and forgiving of sinners.