Gentleness of God
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The gentleness of God is a profound attribute that reflects His tender and compassionate nature towards His creation. This characteristic is woven throughout the Scriptures, revealing a God who is not only mighty and just but also kind and merciful.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, the gentleness of God is often depicted in His dealings with Israel. Despite their frequent rebellion and disobedience, God consistently shows patience and kindness. In Isaiah 40:11 , it is written, "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads the nursing ewes." This imagery of God as a shepherd highlights His nurturing and gentle care for His people.

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's gentleness. Psalm 18:35 states, "You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me." Here, the psalmist acknowledges that it is God's gentle nature that uplifts and sustains him, demonstrating that divine gentleness is a source of strength and encouragement.

New Testament Revelations

In the New Testament, the gentleness of God is most vividly expressed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the gentle nature of God, as seen in His interactions with the marginalized and the brokenhearted. In Matthew 11:29 , Jesus invites, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This invitation underscores the gentle and approachable nature of Christ, offering rest and peace to those who come to Him.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the gentleness of God in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 10:1 , Paul appeals "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ," indicating that gentleness is a defining characteristic of Jesus and, by extension, of God Himself. Furthermore, in Galatians 5:22-23 , gentleness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, suggesting that it is an essential aspect of God's nature that believers are called to emulate.

Theological Implications

The gentleness of God is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to His strength and sovereignty. It is through His gentleness that God draws people to Himself, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. This attribute assures believers of God's loving and patient nature, encouraging them to approach Him with confidence and trust.

God's gentleness also serves as a model for human behavior. Believers are called to reflect God's gentleness in their interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:2 : "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This call to gentleness is a reflection of the transformative power of God's Spirit working within the hearts of His people.

In summary, the gentleness of God is a central theme in the biblical narrative, revealing a God who is tender, compassionate, and loving. It is an attribute that not only defines God's relationship with humanity but also shapes the ethical and spiritual life of believers.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 22:36
You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your gentleness has made me great.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 18:35
You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your right hand has held me up, and your gentleness has made me great.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... patience, kindness, goodness, (4102), 23 gentleness,. ... end (glorification) – indeed
each time we pray about () you for the purpose () of our God counting you ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k
Library

Gentleness.
... gentle, showing all meekness unto all men" (Tit.3:2). David, in his sublime tribute
of praise to God in 2:Sam.22: 36 says, "Thy gentleness hath made me great.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/gentleness.htm

Gentleness Succeeding Strength
... The comparative merits of strength and gentleness will always be variously estimated;
but God's work needs them both, and both may join hands as serving the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gentleness succeeding strength.htm

May 1. "The Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness" (Gal. v. 22).
... Nature's harshness has melted away and she is now beaming with the smile of spring,
and everything around us whispers of the gentleness of God. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /may 1 the fruit of.htm

On those Attributes of God which have Some Analogy to the Moral ...
... Gentleness or lenity is a virtue, by which God preserves moderation concerning anger
in taking vengeance, lest it should be too vehement " lest the seventy ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxi on those attributes.htm

The Dove of God
... paradise of God, is the earnest of our inheritance until the day of redemption.
All the gifts of that divine Spirit, gifts of holiness, of gentleness, of wisdom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
... new knowledge, and uttered no far-reaching predictions; but he received one of the
deepest and clearest prophecies of the gentleness of God's highest Messenger ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs weakness and its cube.htm

Christ as the Rod, the Flower, the Stone.
... Then He is called a rod; [4643] such He is to those who need a harder and severer
discipline, and have not submitted to the love and gentleness of God. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/41 christ as the rod.htm

Penitence
... There is a text in the Psalms which uses the strange expression, the gentleness
of God. We wonder ... But it is God's gentleness. And the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/penitence.htm

God by his Wonderful Power Works in Our Hearts Good Dispositions ...
... foolish only, but even mad. And yet God converted him, and turned his
indignation into gentleness. Who, however, can fail to see ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 25 xxiv god by his.htm

That Gentleness must be Added to Severity, as is Shown in the Case ...
... That gentleness must be added to severity, as is shown in the case of St. ... Who both
knows our weakness and is the interpreter of the will of God, wills that ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvii that gentleness must.htm

Resources
What is Christian apologetics? | GotQuestions.org

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is goodness? | GotQuestions.org

How do I share the gospel with a ______? | GotQuestions.org

Gentleness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Gentleness

Gentleness of Christ

Gentleness of God

Gentleness of God of Paul

Gentleness: Exhortations To

Related Terms

Gentle (48 Occurrences)

Moderately (1 Occurrence)

Meekness (14 Occurrences)

Offence (27 Occurrences)

Offend (24 Occurrences)

Condescending (3 Occurrences)

Clemency (1 Occurrence)

Condescension (2 Occurrences)

Stoop (10 Occurrences)

Lamb (124 Occurrences)

Victory (71 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Jehovah (20094 Occurrences)

Yahweh (6653 Occurrences)

Servant (738 Occurrences)

Humility (20 Occurrences)

Kind (290 Occurrences)

Upholds (12 Occurrences)

Urge (34 Occurrences)

Offenses (23 Occurrences)

Oppose (29 Occurrences)

Outspoken (3 Occurrences)

Jaw (6 Occurrences)

Jawbone (3 Occurrences)

Lowly (29 Occurrences)

Lays (30 Occurrences)

Gentlemen (1 Occurrence)

Gently (19 Occurrences)

Goodness (83 Occurrences)

Godliness (16 Occurrences)

Gentlewoman (1 Occurrence)

Imposing (8 Occurrences)

Fearlessly (10 Occurrences)

Flee (187 Occurrences)

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

Forbearance (9 Occurrences)

Timid (8 Occurrences)

Teeth (50 Occurrences)

Tempted (25 Occurrences)

Rod (138 Occurrences)

Rough (24 Occurrences)

Restore (122 Occurrences)

Ruler's (13 Occurrences)

Dealing (36 Occurrences)

Meek (23 Occurrences)

Personal (15 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Correcting (2 Occurrences)

Crookedness (1 Occurrence)

Concisely (1 Occurrence)

Allayeth (1 Occurrence)

Aim (17 Occurrences)

Allays (1 Occurrence)

Allay

Absent (15 Occurrences)

Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence)

Self-control (14 Occurrences)

Steadfastness (15 Occurrences)

Soft (36 Occurrences)

Shun (14 Occurrences)

Sustains (11 Occurrences)

Caught (110 Occurrences)

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)

Eli (36 Occurrences)

Repent (74 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Beseech (85 Occurrences)

Courage (74 Occurrences)

Aren't (102 Occurrences)

Cord (47 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

Trespass (101 Occurrences)

Control (88 Occurrences)

Entreat (55 Occurrences)

Evident (26 Occurrences)

Hind (4 Occurrences)

Grant (87 Occurrences)

Perhaps (89 Occurrences)

Fault (42 Occurrences)

Gentleness of Christ
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