When I was younger there was a show that I watched about a boy who was friends with a bear named Gentle Ben. “Gentle” and “bear” don’t normally go together. But Ben was gentle around his boy, careful not to hurt him, but also protected him. Maybe this is a good picture of gentleness - not hurting but protecting. But when I think of myself, gentleness is not a fruit of the spirit that first comes to mind. Sarcastic, sure, but gentleness is always something that “I’m working on.” Sadly, I am often more of the bear than the gentle part. So how do I produce the fruit of gentleness in my life?
The Greek term for gentleness in Galatians 5:22 is prautes, meaning mildness or meekness of spirit, taking care not to cause harm. It means “to submit one’s strength in a posture of meekness.” Gentleness is recognizing that we are not the source of power but the instrument of it. And as that instrument, we are under God’s control. We are not to wield that power harshly or without purpose (Herrman, 2015). As I rely on God to help me not be reactionary or respond immediately, gentleness will be the outcome.
The New Testament often links gentleness with wisdom and spiritual growth.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17
It is also used to describe the way we are to correct or teach others. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correction his opponents with gentleness. Timothy 2:24
God made us in His image. Ephesians 4:24 says to put on the new self, created to be like God. The fruit of the spirit is a reflection of the wonder of God. It is who He is, not just what He does. We are called to produce the fruit of the spirit in our lives so that we can be more like Him. In Holier Than Thou, Jackie Hill Perry sums it up by stating, “To exist in the world in such a way [that] when observed, whoever looked at us could accurately imagine God.” Wow! Like Isaiah when confronted with God’s glory all I can say is “I have unclean lips.”
As Christians we are to be “like Christ.” To be like Him, we must know Him, spend time with Him. It is about relationship. We create that relationship by staying connected to the Vine - reading the Bible, talking to God. Christ lives in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to share His glory because we are joint heirs to the kingdom. Guided by Christ, we seek to lead others to Him. And we all, who with unveiled faces, reflecting the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18
Gentleness is not always an easy path to follow because it requires a submission of our will to His. It redefines our purpose. Perhaps the best explanation of gentleness is seen in the Biblical role of the shepherd. As caretaker of the sheep, his concern is for their wellbeing. He protects them, not with the force of the staff, but by actions that assure them of his intent. Isaiah says He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart: he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11. When we read these passages, we tend to see ourselves as sheep. But if we are to be “like Christ,” we must take on the role of a shepherd - teaching, guiding, protecting, leading others to the fold. When our efforts are tempered with gentleness, we, too, can follow in the steps of the Good Shepherd.
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