Since meditating upon the Word of God is a crucial factor which helps us in our growth as a Christian and in personal happiness, then, with meditation, we can increase in the characteristic of gentleness (Psa. 1:1-3; Jos. 1:8). Epieikes is one of the Greek words which is translated in our English versions as gentleness, and the lexicons define it as “considerate, mild, kind.” 1 Peter 2:18 makes use of this word when contrasting harsh and gentle masters–a picture easily grasped. Another of the Greek words is epios. It is defined as “mild, gentle,” and is illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 2:7 with a mother who tenderly handles her baby.
So, gentleness is a characteristic of which the Christian is to attain. We are to deal with others as though we were handling a fragile egg shell. By daily meditating upon these thoughts and those that follow, you will enable yourself to grow in this godly virtue.
We need to be gentle in our choice of words. In Titus 3:2, instead of speaking evil of others (which includes the use of harsh words), we are to be gentle. Even toward his antagonists, Paul selected gentle words (2 Cor. 10:1,2; 12:19). To call others by names or to run people down is directly contrary to God’s Will.
We need to be gentle in our tone of voice. How very true it is, “It’s not always what you say, but how you say it.” Upon one occasion, Solomon told a woman her hair was like goats coming down a hill! (S.S. 4:1). However, the woman took it as a compliment instead of a complaint because of how he said it. 2 Timothy 2:24 is within the context of teaching (speaking to) others, and it says to be gentle. Yes, our tone of voice is to be gentle.
We need to be gentle in our actions. In 1 Timothy 3:3, gentleness is put in contrast to one who is violent and conducts himself as if he were drunk. Our gentleness is to be so extended and shown, that it is known by all (Phil. 4:5). Indeed, we are to be like God Who extended acts of gentleness (2 Sam. 22:36).
Yes, we are to handle others like an egg shell in our choice of words, our tone of voice and our actions. As we meditate upon these things, we will find ourselves doing just that.
We are to extend gentleness to our family. This is how David dealt with his son, Absalom. Even though his son rebelled against him, David commanded the posse to “deal gently for my sake with the young man” (2 Sam. 18:5). Likewise, we should so treat those who are most dear to us.
We need to be gentle to our church family. Paul reminded the church in Thessalonica that, when he was with them, he was gentle among them (1 Thes. 2:7). The benefits of such is revealed in 2 Samuel 22:36 in which God’s gentleness made David great. In principle, as we deal gently with one another, we build up instead of tear down, strengthen instead of run off and make great instead of weaken.
We need to be gentle to our fellowman. While it is easy to understand that we must be gentle to our families, must we really be gentle to strangers? Indeed, for we are told to be gentle unto “all men” (Titus 3:2; Phil. 4:5; 2 Tim. 2:24).
We need to be gentle to those in religious error. Of course, this applies to those in or out of the church. Paul, when writing to brethren in error, extended kindness (2 Cor. 10:1). In all things we do, we are trying to save souls–not offend and run off.*
May you think seriously upon these things. May you become the gentle person God would have you to be. May you become one who is blessed, like a tree planted by the water (Psa. 1:1-3).
Gary Henson
*It is to be the truth—not our personality—that might offend in some cases (Mark 10:17-22; John 6:60-66).