Let your gentleness be known to all. (Philippians 4:5)

I’ve heard it said that words hurt like punches. When we first hear that said, we feel regret because we realise how many “punches” we have hit each other with over the years when we spoke mean or insensitive words. We have thrown many a sarcastic remark or underhanded insult our spouse’s way. The words we spoke weren’t true, and we didn’t mean them, but they were like punches nevertheless.

We don’t want to be known for mistreating our spouse. We don’t want to be known for venting our anger at our spouse or for hurting them with our angry words. We want to be known for our integrity, giftedness, character, and achievements. We want to be known for gentleness.

It is difficult to be known for gentleness in today’s world, as we often feel the pressure to be aggressive in order to succeed. We often sense society’s message that we need to be tough, hard-nosed, and never let ‘them’ see our weakness. And we know that many today see gentleness as a sign of weakness.

What a contrast that is to what the Word of God says! Christ Himself was described as gentle, yet we can think of no mightier man in history. Jesus told us that He was “humble in spirit” yet we can think of no one with more strength. The apostle Paul appealed to the Church in Corinth “by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:1) yet he was well known for his boldness and strength for the cause of Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 tells us that church leaders ought to exhibit gentleness and Christlike consideration for others.

Obviously, in God’s Kingdom real power comes in displaying gentleness of heart.

Q. What steps can we take today to replace an attitude of “toughness” with a heart of true gentleness?

PRAYER: God, remind me that gentleness is a trait of the One who displayed ultimate courage. Let me be known for that kind of gentleness.