“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).

“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

We are coming to the end of this study on God’s communicable attributes and how we are to emulate them as we have been gifted by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Previous devotions focused on the attributes/fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Next week we will focus on the last one, self-control. Today we are focusing on the attribute of gentleness. The first scripture referenced above is about how God chose to reveal himself to Elijah: not with strong wind, earthquake, or fire but with a gentle whisper. The second one is a prophecy about Jesus, son of God, who ministered with gentleness. Isaiah also speaks of this attribute of God in his beautiful Chapter 40 on comfort for God’s people when he writes “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).

I am especially desiring to write about this attribute of gentleness because it is so desperately needed in our culture when so much of what we see and hear is harsh and hateful. Whether it is a physical confrontation or Facebook rant, anger and hostility drive the conversations rather than love and understanding. All the spiritual gifts listed above are available to all believers through the Spirit, but to think, speak, and act with gentleness requires that we make moment-by-moment choices, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in our interactions with others.

When I was growing up, I remember that we kids would get on our mom’s last nerve, and she was constantly having to get on to us. While she was never a screamer, she did raise her voice much of the time because that was the only way she could get through to us kids. Occasionally, Mom would work a temporary job and we would stay with a babysitter nearby. I was always impressed, even as a child, about how this babysitter could command all of us to do what she wanted us to do, and she never raised her voice. For one thing, I was not used to that. For another, she spoke softly, so you had to shut up just to hear her, and then we seemed to settle down and comply. Her gentleness did not conflict with her firmness; she was powerful in her gentleness. That made an impression on me, and I wanted to emulate her manner with my own children and others that I dealt with.

Gentleness, along with kindness, seem like odd attributes, especially in this line up of major attributes such as love, joy, peace, faithfulness, etc. But we certainly see many biblical references to gentleness as an effective tool in our relations with others and in our testimony.

Here are some of those passages.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). We know this is true because we have seen how gentle speech and actions work to de-escalate potential altercations among our guests. Guess what, it works in all types of situations.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation aways be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6). Instead of harshness, if we speak with love and gentleness, we will be able to communicate so much more effectively. And isn’t that the objective, to understand and be understood?

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:14-16). Our gentleness pleases God because it reflects His nature.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). This passage is the fulfilment of the prophecy at the beginning of this devotion. Jesus is our rescuer, he is our King of Kings and LORD of Lords, he is mighty, yet he is also gentle and humble in heart.

“By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you–I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away” (2 Corinthians 10:1). Paul was empowered by Christ’s meekness and gentleness, and we can be likewise.

What a different world this would be if we would all make a conscious effort to act and speak gently and kindly, even if and especially when the other party is harsh and hostile. It is not the loudest and most angry who will win the day, but the one who overcomes evil with love, kindness, patience, goodness, and gentleness.

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).

In Christ,

Judy

P.S.: If you would like to talk more about any of these devotions or matters that concern you, please stop by my office, or call or text me at 615-804-3453 to arrange a time, and I will be happy to speak with you.