In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Acts 24:4 translated "clemency") is in 2Corinthians 10:1 translated "gentleness," "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Macc 2:22 "favour," the Revised Version (British and American) "forbearance"); chrestotes, "kindness," "usefulness," is translated "gentleness" in Galatians 5:22 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "kindness"; chrestos is the word translated "kind" (to the unthankful and evil, Luke 6:35), and chrestotes seems to carry in it a similar idea of active kindness. 4. According to that definition, one could say that gentleness isnt doing, it is being done to. We are harsh and brutish when we are attempting to grab ahold of authority or power that isnt our own. Its a way of life. In many languages, gentleness and meekness are equated with gentle speech. I justified it as being 64 and still having children at home (Intellectually challenged). Here is a sample of their uses. Im too self-centered to stop and kiss my childs scraped knee. Gentleness is feeling this way about other human beings. Bible Verses About Protecting The Environment, Bible Verses About Protecting The Innocent, Bible Verses About Protecting The Vulnerable, Bible Verses About Pretending To Be Someone Else, Bible Verses About Proclaiming The Word Of God, Bible Verses About Praying For Lost Souls, Bible Verses About Premarital Relationships, Bible Verses About Practicing What You Preach, Bible Verses About Praising God In Hard Times, Bible Verses About Praising God With Music, Bible Verses About Poverty And Homelessness, Bible Verses About Power In The Name Of Jesus, Bible Verses About Practice Makes Perfect, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days KJV, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days, Bible Verses About Physical Pain And Healing. The law cannot give us the strength to be gentle. Crucify ego, self-will, and pride. May we never forget the pit of sin the Lord dragged us from and become like the unmerciful servant. Right here on Churchgists, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on examples of gentleness in the bible, goodness definition bible, bible characters who showed gentleness, and so much more. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and its not just a nice thing to be. It's about how we treat others, even when they don't treat us well. As you seek to grow more gentle, focusing on or memorizing these verses will strengthen you and help you be more successful. GENTLENESS. In fact, it mentions it in several places. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is peace? I think that fashion doesnt have to cost a fortune. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Fashion designer Coco Chanel once remarked, gentleness doesnt get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs., Sadly, this dismissal of gentleness is not reserved for the world. 2 Corinthians 10:1 uses the meekness and gentleness (kindness) of Christ as an example for his own pattern. 3. There is one main Greek word translated gentlenessprauetes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. brutality. of the flesh" "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Gal. . 5:16, 22-23) . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. The apostle Paul wrote, And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8) leading men to Christ is not always easy. The Bible is full of examples of Gods character, and one of the most prominent traits is His gentleness. Note here that the opposite of gentleness is a desire for revenge, anger, and self -aggrandizement. 13:5) That means we need to recognize when our anger has run out of control and learn how to stop it before it gets out of hand. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. When Adam and Eve started out in the Garden of Eden, they had peace with God. Therefore, someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and easily angered, or feels the need for revenge. ( Matt. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. These great examples of gentleness help us to see practically what that looks like in everyday life. When we are gentle with our children, we model for them the way God treats uswith patience, understanding, and love. 2. To understand what gentleness looks like in practice, lets look at some examples from scripture: Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. If you are looking for a more in-depth gentleness bible study, there are many bible study tools and bible dictionaries to help you. Gentleness is opposed to all forms of prideful anger: "quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility" ( 2 Corinthians 12:20 ). This is why this grace is listed among the fruit of the Spirit. If this is also important to you and you want to teach your children how to be kind and loving, then well benefit from learning what gentleness means in the Bible. We are to stand out from the crowd by being different. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus is explaining why we should embrace His way of life. God always speaks and acts in a gentle way. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus takes upon himself this descriptor: I am gentle and lowly in heart., And when Jesus tells us what animates him most deeply, what is most true of himwhen he exposes the innermost recesses of his beingwhat we find there is: gentle and lowly. (Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly, 19). Other faithful followers found this to be true (Job 29:22, 2 Timothy 2:25). We never know when our gentleness will lead someone to Christ. What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? The Bible tells us that God is gentle and loving and that we should imitate His character in our own lives. The Greek word describes someone who has power but chooses not to use it harshly or selfishly. That means that if you want to be like Jesus, then gentleness should be one of your top priorities. 889 opposites of gentleness- words and phrases with opposite meaning. The disciple James also wrote that Christians should be gentle toward all men (James 1:27). By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people ( Gal 5:23 ). In the OT its often translated humbleas in Psalm 24:9, 33:3, 75:10, 146:6, and 149:4. Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Even in our sin, He continues to love us. Required fields are marked *. In Galatians it is a mark of being led by the Spirit and it is shown as an example of walking in step with the Spirit in Galatians 6:1. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. Proud member The quality of gentleness is the opposite of harshness with others. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love. When we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. We have to ask ourselves if gentleness doesnt work, perhaps we are striving for the wrong kingdom. These individuals were known for their kindness, care, and compassion for others. Instead, we gently express what we believe without being critical or judgmental. When correcting opponents, it should be done with gentleness. In doing so, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and demonstrate his love to the world. The world is full of harshness and rudeness. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is joy? God provides many examples of gentleness in the bible, Jesus himself being the best model. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" ( Isa 40:11 ). Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently ( Gal 6:1 ). Gentleness is a virtue that is praised in the Bible and throughout history. There is a strong connection in the bible between gentleness and the power of words. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Galatians 5:23 says, against such there is no law.. It takes a strong person to be truly gentle. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). 10. 11:29 NIV). In short, gentleness is an essential ingredient in good parenting. In fact, it was his gentleness that allowed him to touch the hearts of so many people and change their lives forever. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. People who are gentle tend to be happier and more content with life. So lets all make a conscious effort to show a little more gentleness to our spouses today it just might make their day and ours! Toughness and controlled anger in a just cause are not the opposite of gentleness. Our research shows that gentleness is the most overlooked fruit of the Spirit, and not by a little. Gentleness is typically used as an opposite of harshness. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Bible says that gentleness is "not soon angry." (1 Cor. Our natural response is anger and retaliation. What comes to your mind when you think of gentleness? It can be described with one word from the Book of Books. Consider how you talk to yourself. When we think of the life of Jesus, we often think of his miracles and his teachings. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Its a quality of character. Being gentle has a long history in many, but not all cultures. Against such things there is no law. In the New Testament Jesus comes as the perfect example of being gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29). By practicing gentleness, we show others the love and kindness of God. When we follow Gods example of gentleness, we are displaying the character of Christ to a lost and dying world. Jesus has been relentlessly showing me that my character IN HIM is gentleness & self-control. Cognate: 4240 prats (compare 4236 /prats, another feminine noun which is also derived from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of the meekness) - meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. Study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15). Its a quality that we should all strive to embody, especially in our relationships with others. So, you might be surprised to know the Bible has much to say about gentleness. Gentleness in the bible means showing care and respect for others in the way that you act and speak. If children cannot obey their parents who they can see physically, how will they obey God who they cannot see. Extend grace when someone offends you, even if they dont deserve it. Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream ( Isa 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth ( So 7:9 ). Part I: Meekness and Humility Toward God In the Bible, meekness is primarily emphasized as submissiveness toward God (rather than toward men). When you do this you can then look for ways to meet those needs and truly help work through those feelings. When someone considers someone to have the quality of epiekes, they would say that this is a pleasurable person to be around. The Old Testament. The apostle Paul stated that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be . Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In order to be gentle, we must not view ourselves as better than someone else. We live in a broken world, and it can be easy to become jaded and hardened by the pain we see around us. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Gentleness remembers that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), and we are all trying to find our way through this ungentle world. That is the biblical picture of gentleness. We take those $ and give them to developing our Children's Programs. I hope you enjoy and come back often. When we are gentle with others, we are showing them the love and compassion of Christ. Gentleness is the quality of being kind and considerate. Below are a few examples of how to practice this virtue in your life. Isa 53:7 ). I am too busy to listen to my childs story. The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Jesus. Great damage has been done by Christians who have wielded God-given authority for their own ends instead of for the kingdom. Such an invitation, from such a person, is precious beyond words. The opposite is "unbridled anger, harshness, brutality, and self-expression." ("Self-expression" is the picture of someone who struts and shows off.) The word gentleness in this context comes from the Greek word (prautes), which conveys the concepts of mildness, meekness or softness. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". The opposite of gentleness is: Rudeness, manipulation, or disrespect. What is the opposite of gentleness in the Bible? The gentleness of our God has the attributes of love, grace, mercy as well as judgment. The biblical concept of gentleness is often misunderstood. It is displayed by Good Behavior and one of the fruits of the spirit, in the hidden person of the heart. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) "I'll believe it when I see it.". But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. A meek spirit, a gentle spirit, a quiet spirit. He is the Creator of the universe, yet He is still gentle and loving toward us despite our sinful nature. It is important to Christians because it is important to God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Proverbs indicates that gentle words turn away wrath and are a tree of life (Proverbs 15:1,4). A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener ( 2 Tim 2:25 ; 1 Peter 3:15 ). Consider Galatians 5:23 which says that gentleness is part of the fruit (or evidence) of the Holy Spirit within us. It doesnt have to be an extravagant gesture, something as simple as offering to rub their tired feet or making them a cup of tea when you see them looking frazzled can make such a difference. Listen to this story in the Bible about a not-very-gentle king: Tell story from 1 Kings 12:1-15. It's a way of life. Through Christ we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. When we are patient and kind with those who are hurting, we offer them a glimpse of the hope and healing that is found in Jesus. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. gentle parenting bible study discussion guides, The Responsibilities of a Parent in the Bible, Children Should Be Seen and Not Heard A Biblical Perspective, Remember God Is In Control And He Cares About You, Gratitude In The Bible Key Verses and How To Apply Them, What It Means to Be a Good Steward in the Bible with Examples, 27 Bible Verses On Identity in Christ for Powerful Living, The Mystery of Mothers Intuition Revealed In The Bible. We study the arrival of guilt, an argument about guilt, and the answer to guilt. Some of these people include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. Some argue that a gentleness is just as strong if not stronger as brute force. Gentleness has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of time. We need to be intentional about showing our spouse gentleness. 94-96, 240-42; W. Bauder, NIDNTT, 2:256-64; H. Preisker, TDNT, 2:588-90; F. Hauck and S. Schulz, TDNT, 6:645-51. It is important to remember that as Christians we are called to more than this. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? And it is to those who are gentle and meek who will inherit the earththe gentle are the ones who receive Gods rescue. Some view being gentle as weak. Gentleness Defined Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. By showing gentleness towards others, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and set an example for others to follow. But what does it mean to be gentle? Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. It requires great strength and self-control. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! One example is found in 1 Peter 3:4-5: But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in Gods sight is very precious., Another example is found in Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.. But thats ignorant of Roman history and the state of corruption within the religious leaders in his day. It is the ability to be kind and loving even in the face of adversity. Click here to show subject links in the text for more information. Ill be blunt and say that one of the best things you can do to grow in a spirit of gentleness would be to turn off the 24-hour news stations and talk radio. The Bible teaches us that we should be gentle in all our relationshipseven with our enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). It is the opposite of pride, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. . The Bible is replete with commands for us to be gentle. But gentleness is also opposed to lazy apathy and insensitivity. If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. 4.) alain picard wife / ap calculus bc multiple choice / opposite of gentleness in the bible. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. Is It True That Gentleness Gets Nothing Done. In addition, it is important to acknowledge the ways in which God is gentle with us. Note that the Catholic church includes a few additional fruits as part of tradition, listing 12: The Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek NT defines it this way: Prautes denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself, in particular, in a patient submissiveness to offense, free from malice and desire for revenge controlled strength, the ability to bear reproaches and slights without bitterness and resentment; the ability to provide a soothing influence on someone who is in a state of anger, bitterness and resentment against life the word indicates an obedient submissiveness to God and His will, with unwavering faith and enduring patience displaying itself in a gentle attitude and kind acts toward others, and this often in the face of opposition.. So he drew his sword and was about to kill himself (Acts 16:27) But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here. (Acts 16:28) And he called for lights and rushed in and fell down before Paul and Silas (Acts 16:29-30a) Then he took them both out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:30b). Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, But you, man of God, run from these things,and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,love, endurance, and gentleness. Jesus had it: " I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls " ( Matthew 11:29, ESV). In some ways these two words are opposite poles of a spectrum: Meekness or gentleness is the quality of having strength under control, while humility is the quality of self-forgetfulness and giving up personal rights for the sake of others. So, what does gentleness mean? Harshness is usually the response of someone with little power trying to attain it through violence. In the Bible, gentleness is also called meekness, and it is a prominent virtue in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This is the spirit of gentleness that we are called to as followers of Christ. For some, this might be a no-brainer. This verse tells us that we should not only be kind toward others but also put their needs before our own. From these examples of gentleness in the bible, we can picture a soft touch, calm reassurance, and a loving hand. Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. My heart is too hard to go in the spirit of meekness to visit the sister who I have offended or who has offended me (, More Heart to Heart: Godly Wisdom Woman To Woman. Is it not fitting then for believers to exude this same characteristic? We are to exercise our spiritual strength in love. I'm Christina, a mom of three who is passionate about helping Christian parents and caregivers tend to their children with the full character of Jesus, including his gentleness. This is why someone like Coco Chanel could say that gentleness doesnt get things done. But the Holy Spirit gives us a new quality for living, which is gentleness (1 Peter 3:4). Take out time to visit our Website for more information on similar topics. Bibliography. This means more "that which is fitting, right, and equitable." Let your gentleness be known of all men. A few years ago, Robert Ringer wrote two best-selling books that even encouraged people to be aggressive in the dog-eat-dog business world. To be gentle means showing love and care for others in how you act and speak. Gentle Like a Shepherd. 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. This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you, if you choose to purchase through one of the links on this page. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is patience? Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. I am not affectionate, and I fail to give loving hugs. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Furthermore, when we are gentle with our children, we help them to develop into well-rounded individuals who are able to navigate the challenges of life with grace and strength. We Must Recognize Our Sinfulness and Our Dependence On God. Jesus was gentle, even when He was being crucified. I'm Megan, and this is my creative space. Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. 6. True gentleness, however, is just the opposite. There are many who feel that this is one of the most important aspects of his life and teachings. In a world that can often be harsh and violent, the ability to show gentleness is a true strength. He healed the sick, preached to the masses, and showed compassion to everyone he met. Consider Revelation 21 as a passage to meditate upon. Gentleness comes from a state of humility. Its the opposite of harshness, and it means that we dont try to force our beliefs or ideas on others. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. There are many benefits to being gentle. Both qualities come from God and both are fruits of His Spirit at work in our lives. Listen more than you speak or act (James 1:19). Galatians 5 . Gentleness. Gentleness is something Christians must learn. 5 Steps to Achieving the Fruit of Gentleness (or Meekness) that Leads to Blessedness. But His grace is sufficient for us, right!? Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). A. Galatians 5:22-23. Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness. 11 Points: How Did Aaron Die in the Bible? Would you rather be around someone who is marked by a gentle spirit or one who is harsh, brutish, critical, and aggressive? But thats not what the Bible talks about when it talks about gentleness. Its helpful to think about the areas where we are tempted to respond with harshness instead of gentleness. Pride and self-assertionthe opposite of gentlenessruled in the hearts of the Jewish leaders. 5:22). The qualities to which gentleness is joined elucidate its setting and character. And God in Christ is exemplified by the gentleness with which he labored among others. Teddy Roosevelt said he thought it wise to speak softly and carry a big stick. Gentleness for many is synonymous with being quiet spoken, a pushover, and weak. He comes to them not "with a whip [but] in love and with a gentle spirit" ( 1 Cor 4:21 ). Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. Churchgists.com covers prayers, spiritual meaning, bible verses and dreams interpretation. We will not be easily offended and will control our tempers. It's a beauty that cannot fade away. All rights reserved. Even in His rebuke, God restrains Himself and speaks with a gentle tone (1 Kings 19:12). When we receive a . As any parent knows, raising children can be a rewarding but challenging task. Here are the nine fruits of the spirit as listed in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children."1 Thessalonians 2:7 What is the opposite of gentleness? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The Oxford Dictionary defines gentleness as, "the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered." Kindness is literally a part of gentleness; the two are intertwined, and therefore when one is portrayed, so is the other. And these are the people whom I admire the most. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do you ever find yourself thinking this way? As a parent, I see gentleness as one of the most important character qualities we need to focus on in our family. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and . In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner.". The Bible says that Moses was a meek man; in fact, God's word in Numbers 12:3 says . But what does it mean to be gentle? Instead, let us show compassion on those around us by being gentle towards themespecially those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves. Your email address will not be published. So, what does gentleness mean? There is a secondary word, epieikes, which refers to being gentle, gracious, and forbearing. He was a rough man by trade, but when it came to leading men to Christ, he employed great gentleness. 9. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love (Ephesians 4:2). Gentleness is not a natural human trait it requires humility and self-control, two things that only come from God. Galatians 5:23 says, against such there is no law.. Rather than asserting superiority, someone who is gentle wants to help others, even when they have been done wrong. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. People have been searching for this treasure for hundred of years. What Does the Bible say about Vegetarianism vs Meat eating | Eat Meat in the Bible, 9 Examples of Gentleness in the Bible | Gentle, The Fruit of Gentleness in the New Testament, The Power of Gentleness in Leading men To Christ, The Power of Gentleness with our Children, Final Thoughts Examples of Gentleness in the Bible, 140622eng-gotfruitseriespart5-gentlenessbyjocelyntan-140622233213-phpapp01, Use Google Church Grant For Your Church $10,000 / Month - God Bless Steve, Stuck on Sermon / Need Class Ideas / Outlines / Ask Ja, Copyright 1920-2023 Jesus Leadership Training. What is gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit? So much of the peace and harmony we seek is directly affected by how we treat others. 7. He went peacefully to His death because He knew it was the only way to save us from our sins. we will do quite the opposite and will experience a SUPERNATURAL life filled with fruit that the Holy Spirit .
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