Word of the Week - Gentleness
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” - Philippians 4:5
Gentleness is often misunderstood in our culture, especially by leaders. Many equate it with weakness or passivity, but biblically, gentleness means power under restraint—strength that’s submitted to the control of the Holy Spirit. It is self-controlled strength expressed through humility, kindness, and grace toward others.
In my own journey, gentleness has been one of the hardest fruits of the Spirit to grow. By nature, I’m driven, focused, and direct—traits that can serve well in leadership and business in the formative years, but can easily overshadow sensitivity and care. Over the years, the Lord has patiently shaped this area in me. I’m not where I want to be, but by His grace, I’m far from where I used to be. I’ve learned that true strength is not found in forcefulness or urgency, but in calm, patient restraint. Gentleness reflects God’s heart—it’s how Jesus leads us, and how we are called to lead others.
Gentleness is a Christlike posture of strength under control. It’s choosing to respond with care, even when you have the power or right to be harsh. As Galatians 5:22 reminds us, it’s a fruit of the Spirit—evidence that our lives are yielded to God.
Principles of Growing in Gentleness
Awareness – Gentleness Flows from God’s Presence
The more aware we are of God’s Spirit within us, the more gentle our approach becomes. We carry His light in fragile jars of clay, which reminds us to treat others with care. Gentleness is the byproduct of closeness with Jesus. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts… But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:6–7)Security – Gentleness Is the Language of the Secure
When we know who we are in Christ, we don’t need to dominate or prove ourselves. Insecurity shouts; security listens. A gentle person operates from peace, not pride. Our tone changes when we rest in our identity as sons and daughters of God. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world… In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship.” (Ephesians 1:4–5)Forgiveness – Gentleness Is the Fruit of Grace
Gentleness is the outward expression of a forgiven heart. Because we’ve received grace, we extend grace. Even when we’re wronged, we restore others with compassion, not condemnation. True gentleness reflects the cross—strength restrained by love. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently.” (Galatians 6:1) “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
Gentleness doesn’t mean avoiding truth—it means delivering truth with love. Jesus was both the Lion and the Lamb: strong, yet tender; bold, yet compassionate. When we walk in gentleness, we mirror His heart to a harsh and hurried world.
Challenge Question: Where in your life or leadership do you need to slow down, soften your tone, or extend grace so that your gentleness is evident to all?
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who leads us with strength and gentleness. Teach us to walk in humility and grace, even when it’s difficult. Help us to be aware of Your Spirit within us, secure in who we are in You, and quick to extend the same forgiveness You’ve given us. May our lives reflect Your gentleness in every interaction this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a week of strength under control—leading with humility, grace, and the gentleness of Christ!