The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5). When I hear the word gentleness, I don’t think of a masculine trait. My human assessment of gentleness is flawed for two reasons. First, my flesh is bent toward wanting to display strength and is repelled by anything that might make me feel weak. Second, our culture has gutted the biblical understanding of gentleness—turning it into some incepted version of niceness. The meaning of the biblical word carries a very different understanding.
We read in Galatians 5 that gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. That should immediately help us understand that godly gentleness is far from niceness. The Holy Spirit is the most powerful force in the universe, and while He may limit Himself to entering only where He’s invited, it isn’t because of any lack of ability.
The word Paul uses for gentleness is actually a combination of two words. A literal translation would be “merciful graciousness.” The Greek version of the Old Testament uses this expression to describe the gracious gentleness of God’s rule over His people. God demonstrates gentleness because he is full of grace—not due to a lack of strength.
Maybe you’ve been in a place where you really wanted to let someone have it. They treated you poorly, and you wanted to return their mistreatment in spades. If you chose to submit your feelings to the restraining power of the Holy Spirit, then you were exercising biblical gentleness.
Here’s an expanded paraphrase of Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian believers who were living under the constant threat of mistreatment. “You need to demonstrate a patient humility that doesn’t waiver. This is an inner strength that you can’t produce on your own. This strength comes from the Holy Spirit, and it will help you submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment without losing hope or getting hard. It will help you develop tough skin while keeping a soft heart.”
Are you in a situation where you are being mistreated? Refuse to act on the impulses coming from your flesh that want revenge. Instead, let the Holy Spirit do His good work in you. Put God’s merciful graciousness on display for all to see. By doing so, you’ll confound your enemies and bring glory to your Savior.
