If you’ve ever thought that gentleness means being weak, passive, or soft, think again! The Bible describes gentleness—also called meekness—as strength under control.
Think about it: Would you call Jesus weak? He calmed the storm, cast out demons, walked on water, and fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish. And yet, He described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). True gentleness isn’t about being timid—it’s about having the strength to be patient, kind, and self-controlled, even when you could respond in anger.
The Power of Gentleness
The word gentleness in Scripture was often used to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. The goal wasn’t to break the horse of its strength, but to train it to be responsive and obedient. That’s the picture of gentleness in the Bible—it’s a powerful person who is fully surrendered to the control of God.
The opposite of gentleness is a life that’s out of control—one filled with anger, pride, and impatience. But when you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life, He produces gentleness—a supernatural ability to respond with patience, humility, and grace.
How Do We Live with Gentleness?
The Bible gives us some powerful examples of gentleness in action:
- Abraham had every right to take the best land, but he gave Lot the first choice (Genesis 13).
- Joseph had the power to punish his brothers, but he forgave them and showed kindness (Genesis 50).
- David could have killed Saul when he had the chance, but he refused to take matters into his own hands (1 Samuel 24).
- Jesus had the power to call down angels to save Himself, but He willingly went to the cross for us (1 Peter 2:23).
Why Does Gentleness Matter?
Gentleness isn’t just about how you feel—it’s about how you treat others.
- Gentleness brings unity. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
- Gentleness restores relationships. “If someone is caught in sin, restore them gently.” (Galatians 6:1)
- Gentleness wins people to Jesus. “Always be ready to give an answer…but do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
The Key to a Gentle Life
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to do this on your own! Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which means that God is the one who produces it in you.
So, how do we grow in gentleness?
- Wait on God’s perspective—Don’t react in the moment. Take a step back and trust God’s timing.
- Ask for God’s help—You can’t be gentle on your own, but the Holy Spirit will help you.
- Yield to God’s Word—Saturate your heart with Scripture, and it will shape how you respond.
Are You Ready to Grow?
God wants to do a miracle in your life—He wants to transform your heart and shape you into the image of Jesus. The world may tell you that gentleness is weakness, but Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
Are you ready to experience the power of true gentleness in your life? It all starts with surrendering to Jesus! Plan a visit to Liberty: libertylive.church/visit or get connected here: libertylive.church/connect.
Let’s live a life of gentleness, strength under control, and see how God blesses it!
Works Consulted:
Spirit Fruit by Jerry Vines
Fruit of the Spirit Pettus
Matthew 5 MacArthur
Gal 5 Merritt
Gal 5 Truth for Life
Be the Unicorn Vanderbloemen