The concept of gentleness is a significant theme throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom, humility, and the character of a complete or mature individual. In the Berean Standard Bible, gentleness is frequently highlighted as a virtue that believers are encouraged to cultivate, reflecting the nature of Christ Himself.

Old Testament Foundations

Gentleness in the Old Testament is often linked with wisdom and humility. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb underscores the power of gentle words to diffuse conflict and promote peace. The Hebrew word for gentle, "rak," conveys a sense of softness and tenderness, qualities that are esteemed in the wise.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the gentle nature of the Messiah, portraying Him as a shepherd who "gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart" (Isaiah 40:11). This imagery of gentleness is foundational to understanding the character of the complete man as one who embodies care and compassion.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Here, gentleness is presented as an integral aspect of the Christian life, a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work within the believer.

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to exhibit gentleness. In Ephesians 4:1-2 , he writes, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Gentleness is thus linked with humility and patience, essential qualities for maintaining unity and love within the Christian community.

Paul also instructs Timothy, a young leader in the early church, to pursue gentleness as part of his ministry. In 1 Timothy 6:11 , he advises, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This directive highlights the importance of gentleness in leadership and spiritual maturity.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of gentleness. In Matthew 11:29 , He 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." Christ's gentleness is not weakness but strength under control, offering rest and peace to those who follow Him.

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes Christ's gentle nature, particularly in the context of suffering. In 1 Peter 2:23 , he notes, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Jesus' response to suffering with gentleness and trust in God serves as a model for believers facing trials.

Practical Application

Gentleness is a quality that believers are called to actively pursue and demonstrate in their interactions with others. James 3:17 describes the wisdom from above as "first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." This wisdom is characterized by a gentle spirit that seeks peace and reconciliation.

In practical terms, gentleness involves speaking the truth in love, correcting others with kindness, and responding to hostility with patience and grace. It is a mark of spiritual maturity and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

In summary, the words of the complete man, gentle, are those that reflect the character of Christ, promote peace, and build up the body of Christ in love and unity.James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Nave's Topical Index

On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ...
... that hideth counsel from Me, and keepeth words in his ... And the nights again complete
the like courses; so that ... sluggish and the dull: for when a man passes his ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ix on the words.htm

Brorson's Swan-Song
... A very sensitive man, Brorson was often deeply afflicted by ... The words of his own
beloved hymn, "Whatever I am ... so quickly that he was able to complete only one ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter ten brorsons swan-song.htm

Jesus Choosing his Friends.
... that who would might gather up his words, and diffusing ... one of them was full-rounded,
a complete man, strong at ... Jesus knew what was in man; and he yoked these ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter v jesus choosing his.htm

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of ...
... from it are not so deep and complete as that ... and feeble Christianity of us professing
Christians, the words of my ... Every man may pray to that strong Christ who ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/christ the arrester of incipient.htm

The True vision of God
... that mere external symbol of God which this man wanted ... The words that I speak unto
you, I speak not ... claim, consequently, to the oneness of complete co-operation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the true vision of god.htm

The War in Heaven.
... of the Pacific; rendering to each man according to ... It may be that these words have
fulfilled themselves ... thought, they will have their complete fulfilment in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxi the war in.htm

Three Condensed Parables
... a different figure"that of a wealthy man who brings ... judgment of men thinks less of
words than of ... excluded, speech is an even more complete self-revelation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/three condensed parables.htm

St. Peter
... Peter's conversion; that worked the thorough and complete change in his character,
and made him a new man from that ... sake; and so fulfil the Lord's words to him ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xviii st peter.htm

The Alchemy of Influence
... No man can meet another on the street without making some ... We say we exchange words
when we meet; what we ... is very close and very frequent, so complete is this ...
/.../the alchemy of influence.htm

His Passion and Crucifixion.
... No character can become complete without trial and suffering ... of his humiliation,
he was "a man of sorrows ... difficulties from the outset; his words and miracles ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/his passion and crucifixion.htm

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