Gentleness — Meekness
The eight quality which constitutes the fruit of the Spirit is "Gentleness" ( Meekness in the KJV).The greek word is Prautes ( Prah-ot'-ace). It is a difficult word to define because there is no english word that corresponds to the greek. While meekness is a good attempt to translate the word, there is a misconception about the meaning of meekness itself. It is often used to suggest a form of cowardice and weakness but there is no such idea in the greek word "Prautes".Gentleness creates the proper environment for growth and maturity. It's easy to see the difference between children who have been raised in a stressful, mean, emotionally distant and unstable home and those whose parents were patient, kind, protective, and nurturing. Gentleness is one of the qualities which makes the difference. It creates a soft surface for learning how to deal with life's hard knocks. If the spirit of gentleness rules in the home, then anxiety is minimized. Children are not terrified of their parents. Communication is kept warm and inviting. Gentleness keeps childish secrets from collecting in dark closets and then resurfacing in the form of rebellion, anger, and resentment in future years. When gentleness is in the soil, other virtues seem to take root and grow with amazing success. Good fruit results from Gentleness.
The main purpose of this post is to define the proper meaning of "gentleness"(meekness) as used in Gal 5:23 and Philipians 4:5, and to consider the place it plays in the lives of christians.
Defining Prautes ( Gentleness/Meekness)
A. Prautes as defined by the Ancient Greeks:
1. To describe persons or things which have in them a certain soothing quality E.g, Having a humble and kind demeanor which calms another's anger.
2. To describe gentleness of conduct, especially on the part of people who had it in their power to act otherwise: A king forgiving a servant who failed a particular task. The king has the authority and power to render punishment, but chooses instead to show kindness and forgiveness. Such a king would be praised for his gentle and meek behavior.
3.To describe the ability to take unkind remarks with good nature (a) eg. As when embroiled in controversy.
(b) Being able to discuss things without losing one's temper because of unkind and unfair personal remarks.
4. Most often, to describe the character in which strength and gentleness are perfectly combined. eg A horse obedient to the reins or a watchdog friendly to the family owning him.
5.Aristotle had this to say about "Prautes":
"The ability to bear reproaches and slight with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but to be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit."(On Virtues and Vices). This does not imply that there is never a place for anger in the gentle man. In deed, the man who displays "Prautes" is angry " on the right grounds, and against the right persons, and in the right manner, and at the right moment, and for the right length of time" (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics). "He will err on the side of forgiveness rather than on the side of anger" (Barclay).
6.When we treat all men with perfect courtesy, that we can rebuke without rancor, that we can argue without intolerance, that we can face the truth without resentment, that we can be angry and sin not, that we can be gentle and yet not weak" ( Barclay).
Gentleness By George Washington
On one occasion, he was fox hunting with a group of friends. One of the fields through which they were passing was bordered by a stone wall. As his horse jumped the wall it knocked off a stone. Washington immediately stopped, got down from his horse, and replaced the stone. One of his friends said, “You are too big a man to bother with that.” He replied gently, “No, I am just the right size.”
3.To describe the ability to take unkind remarks with good nature (a) eg. As when embroiled in controversy.
(b) Being able to discuss things without losing one's temper because of unkind and unfair personal remarks.
4. Most often, to describe the character in which strength and gentleness are perfectly combined. eg A horse obedient to the reins or a watchdog friendly to the family owning him.
5.Aristotle had this to say about "Prautes":
"The ability to bear reproaches and slight with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but to be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit."(On Virtues and Vices). This does not imply that there is never a place for anger in the gentle man. In deed, the man who displays "Prautes" is angry " on the right grounds, and against the right persons, and in the right manner, and at the right moment, and for the right length of time" (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics). "He will err on the side of forgiveness rather than on the side of anger" (Barclay).
6.When we treat all men with perfect courtesy, that we can rebuke without rancor, that we can argue without intolerance, that we can face the truth without resentment, that we can be angry and sin not, that we can be gentle and yet not weak" ( Barclay).
Gentleness By George Washington
On one occasion, he was fox hunting with a group of friends. One of the fields through which they were passing was bordered by a stone wall. As his horse jumped the wall it knocked off a stone. Washington immediately stopped, got down from his horse, and replaced the stone. One of his friends said, “You are too big a man to bother with that.” He replied gently, “No, I am just the right size.”
Prautes As Used by Moses and Jesus.
The example of Moses--Numbers 12:3
a.Even though as God's chosen servant he could have rebuked Aaron and Miriam, he humbly kept silent eg Numbers 12:1-8.
b. His silence was not from personal weakness because one can consider---
(a)His reaction to the golden calf- Ex 32:19-20,25-28.
(b)His pleading with God-Ex 32:30-32. In deed Moses was no spineless coward, rather his meekness was the result of a humble opinion of himself!
2.The example of Jesus--Mt 11:28-30.
(a) Notice His meekness at His trail--Mt 27:12-14; Isaiah 53:7
But it was not due to lack of strength...
(1) His powerful strength had already been demonstrated in denouncing the pharisees (Mt 23:13) and in purgin the temple (Jn 2:14-17). His meekness at the trail was evidence of strength, not weakness!
(b) Jesus showed true gentleness both in the midst of conflict and in the midst of popularity. His healings and miracles often brought the crowds to a high pitch of enthusiasm. But He refused to let them make Him the kind of king they wanted. He reminded them of the passage in
Isaiah 42:1–4, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”
Jesus knew who He was, but He was gentle and humble — quite a contrast to the lying teachers who today exalt themselves by noisy demonstrations and who too often begin to think of themselves as above the requirements of holiness and justice.Jesus’ awareness of His power enabled Him to be gentle to those in need. The broken reed He would not crush but would fully restore. The flickering wick of a lamp He would not put out but would cause it to burn brightly again. His gentleness works. It brings forth righteousness, and it will bring forth justice in the earth, He gently takes the sinner and makes him whole.
Jesus' disciples learned Meekness
James and John were called "the Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). The Gospel of Luke shows this was an appropriate nickname for the pair. Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, and on the way they sought lodging in a Samaritan city. The Bible tell us of long-standing enmity between the Samaritan and the Jewish people. Samaritans refused to allow Jews to enter their city (Luke 9:51-53).
Because they feel snubbed, James and John say wanted to call down fire from heaven to burn them but Jesus was put off by their attitudes, and His unequivocal response comes through in the statement that "He turned and rebuked them."Jesus lets James and John know that their attitude is not right because the "Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them" (Luke 9:54-56).In the biblical accounts of Elijah and the Sons of Thunder, Christians can learn an important lesson-that we are to be predominantly gentle people, just as our Savior, Jesus Christ, was gentle. In Jesus' many statements about Himself, one of the most memorable is found in Matthew 11:28-30. Here He plainly states that He is "gentle and lowly in heart."
Must Knows:
I. God desires us to be gentle and loving (That is the will of God!)
A. GENTLENESS?
1. It's the way we feel and act towards others
2. Humility and Humbleness before God
3. Putting others before ourselves
4. Imitating the Meekness/Gentleness of Christ. ( 1 cor 11:1)
The example of Moses--Numbers 12:3
a.Even though as God's chosen servant he could have rebuked Aaron and Miriam, he humbly kept silent eg Numbers 12:1-8.
b. His silence was not from personal weakness because one can consider---
(a)His reaction to the golden calf- Ex 32:19-20,25-28.
(b)His pleading with God-Ex 32:30-32. In deed Moses was no spineless coward, rather his meekness was the result of a humble opinion of himself!
2.The example of Jesus--Mt 11:28-30.
(a) Notice His meekness at His trail--Mt 27:12-14; Isaiah 53:7
But it was not due to lack of strength...
(1) His powerful strength had already been demonstrated in denouncing the pharisees (Mt 23:13) and in purgin the temple (Jn 2:14-17). His meekness at the trail was evidence of strength, not weakness!
(b) Jesus showed true gentleness both in the midst of conflict and in the midst of popularity. His healings and miracles often brought the crowds to a high pitch of enthusiasm. But He refused to let them make Him the kind of king they wanted. He reminded them of the passage in
Isaiah 42:1–4, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.”
Jesus knew who He was, but He was gentle and humble — quite a contrast to the lying teachers who today exalt themselves by noisy demonstrations and who too often begin to think of themselves as above the requirements of holiness and justice.Jesus’ awareness of His power enabled Him to be gentle to those in need. The broken reed He would not crush but would fully restore. The flickering wick of a lamp He would not put out but would cause it to burn brightly again. His gentleness works. It brings forth righteousness, and it will bring forth justice in the earth, He gently takes the sinner and makes him whole.
Jesus' disciples learned Meekness
James and John were called "the Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). The Gospel of Luke shows this was an appropriate nickname for the pair. Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, and on the way they sought lodging in a Samaritan city. The Bible tell us of long-standing enmity between the Samaritan and the Jewish people. Samaritans refused to allow Jews to enter their city (Luke 9:51-53).
Because they feel snubbed, James and John say wanted to call down fire from heaven to burn them but Jesus was put off by their attitudes, and His unequivocal response comes through in the statement that "He turned and rebuked them."Jesus lets James and John know that their attitude is not right because the "Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them" (Luke 9:54-56).In the biblical accounts of Elijah and the Sons of Thunder, Christians can learn an important lesson-that we are to be predominantly gentle people, just as our Savior, Jesus Christ, was gentle. In Jesus' many statements about Himself, one of the most memorable is found in Matthew 11:28-30. Here He plainly states that He is "gentle and lowly in heart."
How can we be gentle:1- Think before you react or respond. People react too quickly to situations without taking time to think about how reactions and responses affect others.
2- React in a calm manner. Sometimes actions appear threatening to others. Fold your arms or keep your arms at your sides and avoid appearing threatening. Also, talk quietly in a normal speaking voice. Screaming only escalates a situation.
3-Learn to empathize with others. If you can learn to imagine what it's like to walk in another's shoes, you can better understand that person and respond to them in a gentle way.
4-Respond with kindness. Avoid negativity, and think about ways to make a situation better. Don't worry about being right; instead focus on what you can to do to help others, and, in turn, they will help you.Being gentle is something you must work at, and it does not come easy. Some of the strongest people I have known have been very gentle, and through their actions they have shown others how to be kind. Gentleness is reflected in how you treat others. Try to respond to others in a gentle and loving way.
Must Knows:
I. God desires us to be gentle and loving (That is the will of God!)
A. GENTLENESS?
1. It's the way we feel and act towards others
2. Humility and Humbleness before God
3. Putting others before ourselves
4. Imitating the Meekness/Gentleness of Christ. ( 1 cor 11:1)
B. GENTLENESS, WHAT DOES IT ACCOMPLISH?
1. Makes people "feel loved by you"
2. Makes people "see Jesus in you".
II. GOD DESIRES US TO HAVE A GENTLE CHRIST LIKE PERSONALITY
(That is the will of God!)
A. A Gentle spirit of.... Kindness and love
1. Godly love not worldly lust
a. Not inward and selfish
b. Outward toward others
2. The more love we give, the more love we have
B. A Gentle spirit of.... Humbleness and Humility (not prideful and proud or
boastful)
C. A Gentle spirit of.....Being well focused on things of God, not worldly, envious
or jealoused.
D. A Gentle spirit of.....Forgiveness and being quick to over look the sins of others.
Bible Study : Meditate on these verses:
Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV):Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Numbers 12:3 :Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.
Isaiah 42:1–4, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.
James 1:21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Gal 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2 Timothy 2:24-25
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Col 3:12-13 :Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
James 1:21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Gal 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2 Timothy 2:24-25
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Col 3:12-13 :Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Prayer:
Pray that you will cultivate that fruit of the Spirit which gives all the glory to God and shows a gentleness that is powerful and demonstrates the high, holy, faithful love of God.Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in this reading? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless
Enim
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