How Gentle Are You?

What does it mean to let your "gentleness" be evident to all?  Does it mean to be weak, soft, easily led?  Nope.  The Apostle Paul was not noted for being weak or soft or easily led.  He was known for his tenacity!  So what does he mean by "gentleness"?

The Greek word used here, and you know how much I like researching words, literally means "mature wisdom."  Mature Wisdom is levelheaded.  Mature Wisdom is tempered. It is not rash.  It is not quick to spout off.  Mature Wisdom contagiously calm.  The words of a gentle person can calm a rough situation.  The manners of a gentle person will draw others to act accordingly, not by loud proclamations our boisterousness, but in the calm way a person acts (usually without words at all).  It comes with understanding that God is in control of everything.

Paul is reminding us that we are to live in such gentleness.  We are to BE the calming assurance others need to experience and emulate.  Jesus is the prime example of a truly gentle spirit.  Remember when He was told that Lazarus was sick?  Did He panic and dash off in a rush?  No.  He calmly accepted the news knowing that God is in control.  Jesus is the example we need to emulate as well.

Let us learn to become Gentle, Mature, and Levelheaded.