Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

                                                             Matthew 5:5 

Today’s declaration tells us that happy are those who are gentle. I prefer this translation as some of the older versions of scripture translate gentle as meek. There is nothing wrong with this word however I consider it one of those unfortunate words in the English language. Meek rhymes with weak and, for that reason, is often misunderstood. Meekness is not weakness. To be meek is to be gentle. The world may scoff at the suggestion that gentleness is actually strength but for anyone who acknowledges the Word of God, they understand the truth behind these words.

All throughout scripture we see the first century biblical writers instructing the church to approach every action in a spirit of gentleness. Consider these directives: 

…to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

                                                                                                           Titus 3:2

…always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…

                                                                                                                     1 Peter 3:15 

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition…

                                                                                                     2 Timothy 2:24-25 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle…

                                                                                           James 3:17 

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…

                                                                                                                 Galatians 6:1

The verses above include instructions from Peter, James, and Paul. All of these early church leaders agreed that gentleness was imperative for those who would represent God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This gentleness was to be demonstrated when dealing with others. Whether it is sharing our faith, correcting those in opposition, or restoring one caught in sin, all of these endeavors are to be done in a sprit of gentleness. As we yield ourselves to these truths, we confirm that we have a wisdom that is from above.

It should come as no surprise that believers in Christ should exemplify this kind of gentleness. All three Persons of the Godhead are described as characterizing gentleness. David writes in the Psalms testifying to God’s gentleness:

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me;
and Your gentleness makes me great.

                                                                                                               Psalm 18:35 

Jesus testifies of Himself that He is gentle: 

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart… 

                                                                                                       Matthew 11:28 

And of course one of the fruit (evidences) of the presence of God’s Spirit in an individual is that of gentleness: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…

                                                                                                Galatians 5:22-23 

Anyone claiming to be a godly, to be a follower of Jesus, and to be Spirit-filled must exhibit the characteristic of gentleness. Anything else would be misguided and misleading.