Be completely humble and gentle. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Gentleness in marriage means treating my spouse according to her inherent worth as declared by our Saviour. It means talking in a way that is free from rudeness or abruptness. Gentleness means being considerate of my spouse’s feelings and preferences. It means being free from roughness or harshness. It means giving a caring response to my spouse’s hurts, questions or needs. Gentleness means guarding my tongue and keeping it from speaking sharp words or sarcastic remarks. It means treating my spouse the way I would want to be treated.

Jesus modeled as He interacted with children. In one particular Gospel account, Jesus was teaching in a house in Perea, and some parents had brought their children to see the Lord. The disciples dismissed these “unimportant ones” claiming to be too busy doing “kingdom business”. Jesus rebuked the disciples for keeping the children away from Him. Then, the Scriptures tell us “He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:16).

Jesus didn’t treat the children according to how well they behaved or how much they could contribute to conversation. Christ cared for the children according to to their worth to the Father. Jesus saw beyond what the children could do and responded to them according to their value, which the Creator demonstrated when He sent His Son to die for them.

This same heart response applies to marriage. My spouse’s inherent worth and value, as declared by our Saviour, prompts my gentle and caring responses. If I am truly mindful of my spouse’s worth, I will treat her with the most tender care. If I see my spouse’s value to the Lord, my actions will be kind and my manner gentle.

ACTION ASSIGNMENT
How can I begin to demonstrate true gentleness to my spouse today?

PRAYER: Lord, allow me to demonstrate Your gentle spirit to my spouse. In Jesus’ name, amen.