Davis Wetherell
1.) Psalm 18:35
You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.
David had many enemies. The Lord not only protected him but also gave him victory over them. Due to this, David became a great man. But what does David thank for his becoming great? God’s gentleness. God’s gentleness brings greatness!
There is a truth to remember here. Wherever we see evidence of greatness in our lives, we know God has been there first.
2.) 1 Corinthians 4:20–21
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
Paul here is admonishing some of his readers for not behaving as they ought to behave. And he is giving them a choice: Will they continue to be stubborn, and require greater discipline in order to bring them back to right living? Or, will they be teachable, and allow Paul to speak with a spirit of gentleness?
In this instance, gentleness from Paul would be a confirmation of Christlikeness in the Corinthian church. He’s not saying they don’t have more to learn—for even Paul wasn’t perfect (Philippians 3:12)—but with the church being humble, he could teach them with gentleness.
3.) 2 Corinthians 10:1–3
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…
In Christ we find the greatest example of meekness and gentleness. This list of eight verses is hardly even scratching the surface of what gentleness is and what it looks like in practice.
If you want to see real, biblical gentleness, open your bible to one of the gospels, and reflect on Jesus’s words and actions.
4.) Galatians 5:22–23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
For some, gentleness can be a tough thing. We want to move fast, swing big, and talk bold. Not that these things are necessarily against being gentle, but there are some personalities that have to be more intentional about it than others.
If we feel like there is a limit to our gentleness, we know that limit does not come from Scripture! Here Paul says there is no law against it. So, we all should be looking to increase our capacity for the fruit of the spirit. If God has not put a limit on it, why should we?
5.) Ephesians 4:1–3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to 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, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The Bible teaches that, as Christians, we have been called by God. Since we are merely pardoned sinners, this can get to our heads. Whether on the front of our mind, or in the back of our mind, we can feel like we are better than others.
But this is so far from the truth! Paul says that “the calling to which [we] have been called” necessitates we walk in humility and gentleness.
Christian, don’t forget that it is God’s gentleness that made you great, and that you are called to proclaim His glory—his gentleness—to the world.
6.) 1 Timothy 6:11–12
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.
The Christian life is the active life. Sin does not just leave us alone, we have to flee from it. And we are also told to pursue righteousness and other good things including gentleness. To say we must pursue it implies we are not perfect at it right away—there is more room for growth.
It’s interesting to me how the words gentleness, which ends a sentence, and fight, which begins the next sentence, are placed back-to-back. It’s not a contradiction! This verse is showing us that sin will try to keep us back from spiritual growth, but we have to fight for it!
As odd as it sounds, we have to fight for gentleness!
7.) 2 Timothy 2:24–25
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.
Public speakers face a particularly tough test when it comes to gentleness. If you are verbally questioned, having your ideas questioned in front of other people, you will be tempted to prove your rightness by showing your strength. You will be tempted to yell, to ridicule, to make fun, or other sinful things.
But where does our power really come from? We were made great by God’s gentleness. Our power is in God’s Word.
Rely on these things, rather than your own display of strength.
8.) 1 Peter 3:14–16
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
In the last verse and in this one, we see that the biblical response to evil and suffering is gentleness. Gentleness is powerful enough to convert a person to Christ, while unrighteous anger and spite may only drive them farther away!
In everything we do, we aim to bring glory to Jesus Christ. And these 8 verses help us see that gentleness is a great way to point to God’s goodness!
THE AUTHOR: Davis Wetherell (MA in English, Marquette University) is a writer and editor. He currently manages article content for Unlocking the Bible. He previously taught college classes on literature, rhetoric, and composition. Davis has a heart for writers and loves to serve them. Check out his blog.