Over recent weeks we have seen many people protesting and displaying anger and on occasions even violence at governments and those charged with the task to keep law and order. Now sometimes, peaceful protest marches are appropriate, and sometimes displaying a righteous anger is also acceptable. However, often, what we see is anger coupled with a vengeful spirit, where individuals and sometimes groups of people seek revenge for any wrong, perceived or otherwise that may have been done to them.
It reminds me of a bumper sticker, “Don’t get mad, get even” and as a result people demand what they perceive to be their rights, no matter how their demand might harm others. Sometimes it can be turning a cold shoulder and refusing to speak to the offending party. Sometimes, if it is within their power, people will withdraw privileges and when it really gets ugly, some go to court and try to squeeze out every last cent of those who were responsible for the hurt.
It may surprise you that the Bible offers a solution and it is displaying the spiritual fruit of gentleness. Yes, the world may see being gentle as a sign of weakness and even showing cowardice and lack of strength, but when spiritual gentleness is properly displayed, it is the opposite of being vengeful, bitter, and unforgiving. It calms the waters and takes the heat out of disputes and with the Lord’s blessing restores peace and harmony.
In Scripture the word gentleness was used to speak of a soothing medicine. It was like a cool breeze after a hot day, or a brumby that had been broken and tamed and whose energy and power could now be used for useful purposes. Scripture also describes gentleness as one who is tender hearted, pleasant and mild.
Having said the above, don’t make the mistake of thinking that gentleness is weak. On the contrary, gentleness is power under control. One commentator suggests that gentleness is like a circus lion that has the same strength as a lion running free in Africa, but it has been tamed. All its energy is under the control of its master. In the same way, the lion residing in the gentle person no longer seeks its own prey or its own ends but is now submissive to its Master who gave His life to forgive and save that person to everlasting life. That lion within that person has not been destroyed, just tempered.
One further thought. Gentleness is also a key to wisdom. James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (3:13). Gentleness and humility go together and even if gentleness is not valued in our society or by the offending party, let us not neglect to show it. JZ