“A Spirit of Gentleness”

Tuesday, August 08, 2023

BIBLE READING: Galatians 6.1

Think about things we handle gently:

• Delicate items like fine china or old pictures.
• Objects that can break easily like eggs or mirrors.
• Things that are fragile and helpless like a wounded animal or a newborn child.

To properly handle these things requires a thoughtful approach, a practiced touch and maturity. We are not born with an inclination towards gentleness. If you don’t believe me, watch children play with anything. There’s a reason they get plasticware and not fine china. Watch them interact with others who are hurt. They look dumbfounded. But with experience and maturity they learn to handle objects and circumstances with gentleness. Such is true in our spiritual walk. It requires maturity and learning to deal with fragile people and their circumstances.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6.1).

You can’t handle this kind of person with a heavy hand. It’s like when animals are caught in a trap. They tend to respond from fear rather than gratitude. They react in self-defense even to those who want to help. Those who approach them must not only be aware of their condition but of the effects it has had on them. So, it is with people overtaken with sin. Their spirits have been damaged by the lies of the devil, their own failure to overcome, and hurts from unmet expectations. They are afraid and often lash out against those who are trying to help them.

As we walk by the Spirit, we must develop a spirit of gentleness in our approach to others. We must understand that sin causes damage and distress, and requires both patience and gentleness. Of course, this quality is learned from Jesus. In contrast to the staunch and unapproachable Pharisees, Jesus would go to the needy, helpless and suffering with an offering of hope. “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 you souls” (Matthew 11.28-29). He would deal gently even with the misguided Pharisees and his disciples along the way (ex. John 9.40-41 and Matthew 16.5-12). Even in his perfect understanding, Jesus gently cared for the spirits of people with a thoughtful approach and practiced touch.

Gentleness is a defining quality of the spiritual person and is paramount in our relationships with one another (Galatians 6.1). In fact, it is a primary means through which we develop and foster unity, (Ephesians 4.2), and is something spiritual people should be eager to maintain (Ephesians 4.3). As Paul would say, our practice of gentleness is a worthy and proper response to the calling of Jesus (Ephesians 4.1). So, let us “be gentle, and… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3.2).

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