How many times is Gentleness mentioned in the Bible? (What is the importance of Gentleness, What does the Bible say about Gentleness + Bible verses about Gentleness)

Gentleness is one of the most common traits attributed to being a Christian. It is also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit given to us by Christ to guide us. In our previous Bible study, we discussed Gentleness and some of the ways people demonstrated Gentleness in the Bible. I was surprised since they happened to be more than I expected which made me wonder, “How many time is gentleness mentioned in the Bible?”

After much reading on all that Gentleness entails, I deemed it fit to write this article and aid anyone who might be interested in this learning about this fruit of the Spirit and answer some of the commonly asked questions. Read on to learn what the Bible says about Gentleness, some Bible verses about Gentleness, and why it is important to possess this fruit of the Holy Spirit.

What does the Bible say about Gentleness?

Gentleness is one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit given to us by God that help us to be more like Christ, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23 and Ephesians 4:14-16. Gentleness, also known as meekness, stems from humility, and a person who lacks Gentleness is often easily angered, prideful, competitive, and vengeful.

According to some scholars, the Bible advocates for Gentleness towards others and God. This is because God is all-knowing, and we are not. Isaiah 55:9 states that humans must acknowledge that our worldviews are skewed due to exposure to sin and worldly experiences. A gentle person humbly accepts God’s worldview as true in both the material and spiritual realms.

Where is Gentleness first mentioned in the Bible?

Gentleness is first mentioned in the Old Testament in Psalm 18:35. These were David’s words thanking God for protecting him and giving him victory over his enemies. David attributes his greatness to God’s Gentleness towards him and acknowledges that God’s Gentleness brings greatness to man.

It is important to note that different Bible versions could phrase this verse differently and uses other words to mean Gentleness. However, the interpretation remains the same. The term “Help” is the most commonly used substitute for Gentleness in the various Bible versions.

What is the importance of Gentleness?

According to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:5, the meek are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. This shows that meekness or Gentleness is an essential trait for Christians to possess if they are to inherit the earth. As seen in theology of work, the earth has been transformed into the location of the kingdom of heaven, and those who are meek will inherit this perfect kingdom coming to earth that God has promised.

According to scholars, Gentleness is also important since it allows Christians to readily forgive others by acknowledging that our wrongs towards God are more significant than people’s wrongs towards us. Additionally, Gentleness towards God will enable us to accept His judgement on any issue.

Gentleness is also important in leadership (Colossians 3:12-13), and Paul appeals to God’s chosen people to clothe themselves with Gentleness, humility, patience, compassion, and kindness. These are all qualities of a good leader.

Gentle or respectful discipline in parenting involves explaining and being crystal-clear on what the child has done wrong, then reiterating. This ensures they learn the lesson and don’t repeat the mistake. However, the site also says that a gentle rebuke not only involves playback of the child’s wrongs but also communicating what is expected of them in the future.

Examples of Gentleness in the Bible

The Bible has various Bible verses regarding Gentleness. Some include:

Titus 3:2 advises Christians against slandering one another. It says Christians should be gentle, peaceful, and considerate towards everyone.

1 Timothy 3:3 says that those that aspire to be overseers should be gentle, not violent, and should not succumb to drunkenness, quarrels, or a love for money.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 equates the apostles’ Gentleness to a mother nursing her young child.

Proverbs 16:24 speaks on the goodness of gracious words. The verse equates the terms to honey. They please the soul and heal the bones.

Galatians 5:22 states that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are given to us by God, Gentleness being the eighth fruit.

Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle response deflects wrath, whereas a harsh word incites rage.

Galatians 8:1 says Christians should gently correct those caught in a sin.

Ephesians 4:2 urges Christians to be gentle, humble, and patient and bear one another with love.

Colossians 3:12-15 speaks to God’s chosen people, telling them they are dearly loved and should clothe themselves in Gentleness, compassion, kindness, humility, and patience.

1 Peter 3:4 is a message to wives that their beauty should come from within, a gentle and quiet spirit.

Examples of Gentleness in the Bible

John 8:7-11 is a clear example where Jesus demonstrated Gentleness. As Jesus taught, the Pharisees brought in a woman and wanted to stone her since she had been accused of adultery. Jesus responded with Gentleness and intervened by telling those who condemned her to cast the first stone if they believed that they were free from sin. This was to show that everyone present was guilty of sin and had no right to judge the woman. He set an example by leading with compassion and Gentleness.

John the Baptist also demonstrated Gentleness, as seen in John 3:27-30. He humbles himself and says that a person only receives what is from heaven. He exhibited Gentleness by acknowledging that Jesus must become greater than him and that he was only sent to pave the way for the Messiah.