Gentleness: The Living Out of Christ Within

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… (Eph. 4:1 – 2 ESV).

How do I conduct my life with gentleness?

Gentleness is given expression through humility. The conjunction "and" tying gentleness with humility is a logical connective emphasizing that gentleness is that which humility produced. One therefore cannot conceptualize gentleness apart from casting it from the mold of selflessness. Whatever can be said of gentleness is brought forth from a selfless soul and lived out within the confluence of Christ likeness and death to self.

Gentleness is therefore the fruit of the Holy Spirit that enables us to reflect God’s grace to the world. Grace is God's power to live that enables us to fulfill His will and be complete. The transforming presence of Christ establishes the order of our souls so we can convey God’s grace through gentleness. As God’s Spirit produces gentleness in our lives, He establishes our attitude, fashions our approach, and directs our actions with others. When we are blessed with the fruit of gentleness, His abundant supply must overflow into the lives of others. With humble selflessness we are compelled to transmit His power to live. We cannot be content with merely possessing the attitude of gentleness, but as representatives of God to others, we must display His fruit through our actions. “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13 NASB).

Gentleness draws it's essence from living within the confines of brokenness, where one has given up their willfulness in order to be ruled by God's benevolent authority. The gentle live to accomplish God's good pleasure as the Spirit of Christ guides their way into being bearers of His grace to others.

Gentleness promotes God's position yet does not participate in any selfish ambition hidden within the carnality of the flesh's agenda. Selfish ambition stands opposed to the soul of gentleness, and with vain conceit propagates self's redemptive process. Without God’s grace, selfish ambition would assert, “I must be served”; “My way must be followed”; and “I am right.” According to selfish ambition, having control over life’s resources is seen as the priority and must be the object of life’s pursuit. Selfish ambition is not concerned with the welfare of others but with the power we have over our domain. It is through this perception of strength that we derive our sense of self-sufficiency. With continuous resolve we persist in our selfish ambition.

Conversely gentleness recognizes the power which one possesses as present to serve God's purpose, and utilizes such influence to accomplish God's plan within the lives of those in need. Jesus exemplified gentleness when He asserted, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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" (Matt. 11:28 – 29 ESV).

Jesus emphasized, "I am gentle and lowly in heart." The dative case noun literally means "in relationship to the heart I am gentle and lowly." The virtue of gentleness is not merely a good deed that is given God's blessings as it is being committed. Rather gentleness is derived from a heart that has been given to Christ, bearing fruit created and formed in His image which engages people in a redemptive manner prompting rest for their souls.

Gentleness is therefore characterological in nature and does not exist in deed if it first does not rule in the heart. Gentleness expresses the heart of Jesus in the glory of grace so that others may experience Christ's excellence through our relationship with Him.

We can exemplify the fruit of gentleness when we relinquish our selfish ambition. Enabled by the Spirit, I can reflect God’s grace. “Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth” (2 Tim. 2:25 NLT).

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)


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