Seven Virtues of a Worthy Walk 3

Our Lord was the Personification of unlimited power clothed in gentleness. Jesus is gentle and so we must learn to be gentle.

Ignatius of Antioch describes Christlike gentleness for us in this exhortation: 'Be mild at their anger, humble at their boastings, to their blasphemies return your prayers, to their error your firmness in the faith; when they are cruel, be gentle; not endeavoring to imitate their ways, let us be their brethren in all kindness and moderation: but let us be followers of the Lord; for who was ever more unjustly used, more destitute, more despised?' Good point.

This message is not popular with some Christians. They would prefer to take the kingdom by storm. Jesus shows us another way. Yes, another apparent Christian paradox: Gentleness accomplishes more of the purposes of God than all the energy worked up in violence, anger or rage. Consider: 'A soft answer turns away wrath' (Prov. 15:1).

In the words of another writer, 'It's so easy to laugh, it's so easy to hate. It takes strength to be gentle and kind.' And, it takes wisdom and understanding. To respond to evil with gentleness requires great patience and deep compassion for the other person which results from an understanding and appreciation for the condition of their soul and their eternal destiny.