the power and value of gentleness

In a  world that is often harsh, unkind, bullying and unforgiving, the power of gentleness is often overlooked at best, discounted and ignored at worst. Jesus followers need to know and it's power and incorporate it in their lives.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." 
 Proverbs 15:1

Gentleness has the power to diffuse volatile situations.

"So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God and Elijah 1 Kings 19:11-13

Would you have missed God? 

Thinking He must have been in the wind or the earthquake or the fire? 

Don't underestimate the power of anyone who comes and goes in gentleness. 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Jesus speaking in Matthew 11:28-30

"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3 

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all  comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Colossians 3:12-13

Gentleness is part of the lives of Jesus followers.

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Galatians 6:1

Gentleness does not excuse sin.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."  James 3:17

Gentleness is part of Godly wisdom.

"Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."  Peter teaching women 1 Peter 3:3-5 

Gentleness is not a sign of weakness. It is valuable. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

Love, joy, peace, etc. are the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruits. 

Choosing gentleness, or any of the other responses, especially when provoked or threatened is not part of most people's nature-it is, however, something the Spirit of God will make second nature in you. It takes power for that to happen. His power at work in us and our relinquishing foolish human inclinations and notions of what power looks like.