What the Fruit of the Spirit Looks Like; Part 8; Gentleness

When you consider "gentleness" in a person, what comes to mind? Quiet, unassuming, easy-going, soft-spoken, low-key? These characteristics, as defining gentleness, are commonly held.

But what does the Bible have to say about gentleness? Gentleness sets the tone of our Christianity;

With all of the other fruit of the Spirit we've covered so far in operation, gentleness will establish the attitude of our faith. It should be the spirit of it; the nature of it; the quality of it.

Only having met us, strangers should sense that we are a gentle people. Gentleness is the flavor; the feel; the smell; the look of Christianity. It is the manner in which we express our belief.

First of all, biblical gentleness, or meekness as its sometimes translated, has no connection to weakness. In the ancient Gk world, the word was used of horses that had been broken for riding.

So, it is power that has not been decimated but remains under control.

In Mt. 11, Jesus uses the adjectival form of this word (Gk praus) to describe Himself.

He who could at any time have commanded legions of angels to destroy His adversaries instead chose to subject Himself to every indignity in submission to the Father's will.

That is power under control.