Day 2: Gentleness - Strength Under Control

Key Passage:

Matthew 11:29 (NLT) "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Related Passages:

• Galatians 6:1-2
• James 3:17-18
• 1 Peter 3:15-16

Devotional:

The eighth fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. The Greek word "prautes" is difficult to translate precisely into English. It doesn't mean weakness or timidity; rather, it describes strength under control—like a powerful horse that has been trained to respond to the slightest touch of the reins.

Jesus claimed this quality for Himself in Matthew 11:29 (NIV): "I am humble and gentle at heart." This is remarkable coming from the One who calmed storms, cast out demons, and will ultimately judge the world. Jesus wasn't gentle because He lacked power; He was gentle because He had perfect control over His immense power, using it only when and how it served God's purposes.

In Greek culture, "prautes" wasn't highly valued—they preferred qualities like courage and justice. But Jesus elevated gentleness as a beatitude: "Blessed are the meek (prautes), for they will inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5 (NIV). This countercultural value reveals something profound about God's kingdom—true strength isn't found in domination but in controlled, purposeful power.

Gentleness has particular importance in certain contexts:

• Correction: Galatians 6:1(NIV) instructs, "If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." When addressing others' failings, gentleness creates safety for genuine repentance rather than defensive reactions.
• Apologetics: 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) tells us to defend our faith "with gentleness and respect." When sharing truth with skeptics or those of different beliefs, gentleness opens ears that harshness would close.
• Leadership: 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NIV) directs that "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone... Opponents must be gently instructed." Gentle leadership influences through wisdom and example rather than coercion.
• Conflict: James 3:17-18 (NIV) describes heavenly wisdom as "peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." This gentle approach to disagreement "raises a harvest of righteousness."

Gentleness doesn't mean never expressing anger, setting boundaries, or speaking hard truths. Jesus Himself displayed righteous anger when cleansing the temple. But His anger was controlled, purposeful, and proportionate—never explosive, vindictive, or self-serving.

In our aggressive culture that often equates strength with dominance and volume with authority, Spirit-produced gentleness stands out dramatically. It demonstrates a different kind of power—not the power to control others but the power to control oneself.

Call to Action:

Identify one relationship or situation where you tend to respond with harshness, impatience, or excessive force rather than gentleness. It might be with your children, spouse, co-workers, or in online interactions. For the next week, practice responding with gentleness in this specific context—not by suppressing your strength but by channelling it constructively. This might mean:

• Speaking more softly
• Listening fully before responding
• Asking questions rather than making accusations
• Acknowledging others' perspectives
• Choosing private conversation over public confrontation
• Ask someone close to you for feedback on your progress in demonstrating gentleness in this area.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what relationships or situations do I find it most difficult to respond with gentleness?
2. How might my effectiveness and influence increase if I demonstrated more consistent gentleness?
3. What triggers tend to cause me to abandon gentleness, and how can I prepare to respond differently?

Prayer:

Gentle Savior, I marvel that You who could command legions of angels chose the path of gentleness—speaking truth without crushing the bruised reed, offering correction without condemnation, exercising authority without domination. Forgive me for the times I've confused harshness with strength or gentleness with weakness. I specifically confess my lack of gentleness in [specific relationship or situation]. By Your Spirit, develop in me true gentleness—not the absence of strength but strength under perfect control. Help me to respond to provocation with calm wisdom, to exercise influence without manipulation, and to speak truth with grace. May my life demonstrate that gentleness is not weakness but power perfectly applied. In Jesus' name, Amen.