What is Gentleness?
DAY three
Gentleness is a word that isn’t too often spoken about, yet it’s important enough to God to be a vital Fruit of the Spirit. To be honest, I had to really dig in to have something to write about this virtue because it’s just not something I spend a lot of time thinking about.
However, I was quickly reminded that Gentleness is at the very core of the Spirit of God. God is the strongest, most powerful thing to ever exist in the history of ever, yet He is Love. He is a safe haven, a comforting place, a GENTLE hand.
In the Bible, Gentleness is often mentioned in reference to dealing with conflict. When a wrong has been committed, by ourselves or someone else, we are encouraged to handle it with Gentleness. Rather than judging or condemning or announcing how someone messed up, we are called to love.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 NIV
I really love the Message version of this scripture- it kind of drives home the root of the message.
“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” Galatians 6:1 MSG
How many times do we find it appropriate to pick out the wrong? How many times have you been around a situation where a student has messed up, maybe repeatedly, and you just can’t get your head around why? Why can’t they get it together? Why can’t they follow the rules? Why are they late every day? Why do they sleep in my class? Why do they talk so disrespectfully? Why are they constantly bad mouthing other students? Why can’t they grasp this concept? Why don’t they listen in class????
All legitimate frustrations for teachers. What is your reaction? What are the reactions of your fellow teachers? Do those reactions demonstrate a tone of Gentleness? Are you approaching the situation in love or anger? And a tougher one . . . are you taking the action of that student personally?
No doubt about it, being a teacher is trying both in Patience AND Gentleness. Because, my goodness, how many times do we have to tell a kid something!?! But, that is EXACTLY why Gentleness is a Virtue – it’s not YOU that extends that gentle hand- it’s Jesus. It’s not YOU that takes a deep breath and sees that little hoodlum as the precious angel that God does – it’s Jesus. It’s not YOU that reacts out of love – it’s Jesus.
The very reason that it’s so hard to be Gentle, is the very thing that makes it a Fruit of the SPIRIT, rather than a Fruit of the HUMAN. These challenging circumstances that we find ourselves in aren’t meant to be taken on by ourselves. These are the exact moments that God is calling you to rely on Him to take over. He needs you to put your emotions aside, to not act as the world may act, and extend His hand to those that frustrate you, disappoint you, anger you.
I know it’s hard some days. If it’s too much- find a teacher friend that you can vent or cry to or have a moment with. Lord knows, if I didn’t have my people, I would have been fired.
I love the following verse because it’s written by Paul while he's in jail. In his imprisoned state, he is still reminding believers to be Humble and Gentle. He is telling us that it is through these actions that we can maintain peace and come together in love.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
We are human, but He is not. Lean into Him and extend that Gentleness as often as you can.
Dear God, use me to be a conduit of love and hope to my students, coworkers, and family. When I feel frustrated, please humble me to handle the situation with gentleness. Fill me with your Spirit that I may act in a way that honors you and promotes peace around me. In your Son's Name . . . Amen.
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