Gentleness
‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’
Colossians 3:12
‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.’
Ephesians 4:2
What is gentleness? Why is this important in regards to Jesus’ ministry?
Well, the dictionary definition is: the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. Softness of action or effect; lightness.
In the ministry of Jesus, it goes a lot deeper, especially in meaning. I believe that gentleness is deeply connected in the unconditional love that Jesus displays and calls us to show. The gentleness that Jesus displays is the want to help others, regardless of any wrongs and any sin. We see this displayed in John 8, where Jesus had helped the woman that was accused of adultery. That day when the pharisees brought this woman in front of Jesus and were saying to stone her Jesus stopped them saying: “You who have not sinned may cast the first stone”. That day Jesus had helped the woman, he had saved her life.
We have all sinned, and we have no right to cast stones on other people, no matter what they may have done.
I pray that we can show kindness and compassion towards others, that we will be slow to being harsh to others. That we respond in love to other people, showing them the gentleness that Jesus has shown each of us.
Written by Tori, Intern for Swindon Youth for Christ