Gentleness is not weakness

We’ve all met people who were gentle in their actions, speech, and life.

However, in today’s climate of anger, gentleness is often viewed as weakness – we believe the lie.

Gentleness is strength – we forget the truth.

Gentleness is defined as being free from harshness, sternness, or violence, moderate and kind.

Gentle people can be stern and stand firmly for what they believe

He didn’t come with a sword. He came in peace.

Yet, His inner strength far surpassed that of those who said he was weak.

They feared Him because they saw the power of gentleness demonstrated in how He lived and treated others.

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Bible Theology defines gentleness:

Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.

Maintaining gentleness requires strength because the world celebrates harshness and seeking power by any means

Gentleness is a virtue, a practice, a habit that is the secret to inner power because it frees you from hate, anger and other destructive vices.

Two great philosophers said this about gentleness:

And when you do become angry, be ready to apply this thought, that to fly into a passion is not a sign of manliness, but rather, to be kind and gentle. Seneca

It’s courtesy and kindness that define a human being. That’s who possesses strength and nerves and guts, not the angry whiners. Marcus Aurelius

Weakness is giving in to every emotion and whim without exercising self-control or consideration of others.

Gentleness is strong enough to resist all of that.

Gentleness is the ability to bear reproaches and slights with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit. Aristotle

I think maybe God was trying to tell me that gentleness begins with strength, quietness with security. A great tree is both moved and unmoved, for it changes with the seasons, but its roots keep it anchored in the ground. Mastering a gentle and quiet spirit didn’t mean changing my personality, just regaining control of it, growing strong enough to hold back and secure enough to soften.
Rachel Held Evans

Gentleness is the opposite of weakness.

Weakness submits itself to hate, anger, malice, lack of self-control, and many other terrible habits.

Remember:

Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong. Leo Buscaglia

Choose gentleness and make it part of your character.

Exhibit gentleness so that others will see its power.

Thank you for reading, and God Bless.

© Fleda Bennie 2025. All rights reserved.

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