Gentleness

The gentle flutter of butterfly wings--
ushering in spring--bringing joy.

         When you think of Jesus and gentleness you probably recall the drawing of Jesus with little children gathered around Him. That is a gentle portrait of our Savior. Paul used the gentleness of Jesus Christ as an example in one of his letters to the church at Corinth. He was speaking to those people gently—as Jesus Himself would. That is a great example for us, too. As Solomon wisely taught…

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

I’ve experienced that. Before I became a Christian, I had a bad temper…and it sometimes flares its ugly head in times when I’m rattled by something. Whatever is inside of comes out when it is shaken.

            Paul mentored a young Jewish-Gentile man named Timothy. Paul was instructing Timothy, as well as all the Christians in the coming years so that they would know and apply the qualities of Jesus…like gentleness, in a gentle way.

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Jesus declared Himself to be gentle and humble when he encouraged the crowd following Him that they didn’t have to be burdened with worries, He would help them. They would find rest…eternal spiritual rest when they trusted Him with their worries and cares.

Are you gentle with others, considering their feelings, ideas, and preferences? Do you listen intently and intentionally to every word that others are saying—not interrupting them to get your own thoughts and ideas into the conversation? Are you spiritually as well as physically gentle?

 

"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

 

Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. 2 Corinthians 10:1

 

Prayer – Lord Jesus, as I search for You, I hear You in a gentle whisper. You are gentle…and such an example to us of all the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank you. I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength—because You are an awesome God—and You are my God, my Lord, and my Savior.

 

Meditate on gentleness.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ …rest for your souls, as Jesus Himself said…Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

 

© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories