Gentleness is an important virtue emphasized throughout the Bible. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss gentleness:
Old Testament Verses on Gentleness
The Old Testament speaks of God’s own gentleness towards His people. For example:
“He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory” (Matthew 12:19-20 ESV). This verse describes Jesus’ gentle care not to break those who are already hurting.
The Old Testament also encourages gentleness among God’s people. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 ESV). Answering gently can diffuse arguments and calm angry people.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6 ESV). Gracious and gentle speech should characterize believers.
New Testament Verses on Gentleness
Jesus perfectly modeled gentleness during His life on earth. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 ESV). As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His gentle heart.
The New Testament letters also encourage gentleness among Christians: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2 ESV). Gentleness should mark relationships inside and outside the church.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 ESV). When confronting sin, gentleness and humility are key.
“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV). Age and gender differences should be navigated with gentleness.
Gentleness Produced by the Holy Spirit
Biblical gentleness is not merely a natural personality trait, but the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As Paul writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). Gentleness is a mark of a Spirit-filled life.
Paul urges, “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV). Our “calling” as Christians demands we clothe ourselves with gentleness.
Gentleness in Speech
The Bible has much to say about taming our tongues and speaking gently. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19 ESV). Restraint in speech demonstrates wisdom and gentleness.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19 ESV). We must be slow to speak in order to reflect gentleness and self-control.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV). Our speech should aim to gently build others up, not tear them down.
Gentleness Toward All People
The Bible teaches us to be gentle with all types of people – other believers, those who oppose us, those in need, those who are gentle themselves, even our enemies:
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12, 14 ESV). Gentleness and love work together.
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2). Gentleness must extend to everyone, even those in authority over us.
“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Proverbs 20:22, 24:29 ESV). As far as it depends on us, gentleness can diffuse anger and conflict.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13 ESV). Forgiveness requires gentleness.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 ESV). Christ calls the gentle “blessed” and promises they will inherit the Kingdom.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13 ESV). Biblical wisdom produces gentleness.
“Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.” (Proverbs 24:29 ESV). Seeking revenge is the opposite of gentleness.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:19 NIV). We should gentle leave judgment to God.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Luke 6:27-30 ESV). Gentleness means loving enemies and returning evil with good.
Gentleness in Leadership
The Bible gives guidance for gentle leadership and correcting others. Good leaders are not harsh and domineering, but patient and humble in leading and admonishing others:
“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25 NIV). Leaders must gently instruct even those who oppose them.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 ESV). Spiritual leaders must restore the fallen with humility and gentleness.
“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV). Humble respect enables gentle leadership.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2 NIV). Pastors and elders must lead with humility, gentleness, patience and love.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3 ESV). Overseers should lead by gentle, willing example, not domineering force.
Praying for Gentleness
Since biblical gentleness is the fruit of God’s Spirit, we can ask God to develop this virtue in our lives. As David prayed, “With the merciful you show yourself merciful… With the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness” (Psalm 18:25-28 ESV). We can pray for God to humble us and grow gentleness in our hearts.
The Ultimate Example of Gentleness
Jesus Christ perfectly demonstrated divine gentleness to us. Though He was Almighty God, He humbled Himself as a servant and died to save sinners. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:4-8 ESV).
As we look to Jesus, we see the perfect model of the gentle, humble heart God desires us to cultivate by His Spirit. By God’s power, we can reflect the gentle love of Christ to everyone around us.