“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.
How is Jesus our example in gentleness? First let us define gentleness.
Strong’s Concordance says, “usefulness, that is, moral excellence.” Webster’s 1828 dictionary: “Softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness.”
“True gentleness is a gem of great value in the sight of God. A meek and quiet spirit will not be ever looking out for happiness for itself, but will seek for self-forgetfulness and find sweet content and true satisfaction in making others happy.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, pg. 536
“‘No man liveth unto himself.’ . . . If he is filled with the love of Christ, he will manifest courtesy, kindness, tender regard for the feelings of others, and will communicate to his associates, by his acts of love, a tender, grateful, happy feeling. It will be made manifest that he is living for Jesus, and daily learning lessons at his feet, receiving his light and his peace. He will be able to say to the Lord, ‘Thy gentleness hath made me great [Psalm 18:35].’” Youth’s Instructor, June 22, 1893
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” 2 Tim 2:24
How is Jesus our example in gentleness? I think of the time some mothers brought their children to Jesus to be blessed. The disciples rebuked them, “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘Let the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 18:16
Jesus was in the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to every word. “Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:40-42
Martha’s brother Lazarus had died. You can read the entire account in the 11th chapter of John. Jesus had been bidden to come heal him but Jesus delayed His coming and Lazarus died. When He did arrive in Bethany Lazarus had been dead four days. It was told to Martha that Jesus was arriving and she went out to meet Him. He assured her that He is the resurrection and the life. Shortening the story, they arrived at the tomb where Lazarus lay and Jesus commanded the stone be removed.
“When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone to object. ‘Take ye away the stone,’ Christ said. As far as possible, prepare the way for My work. But Martha’s positive and ambitious nature asserted itself. She was unwilling that the decomposing body should be brought to view. The human heart is slow to understand Christ’s words, and Martha’s faith had not grasped the true meaning of His promise.
“Christ reproved Martha, but His words were spoken with the utmost gentleness. ‘Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?’ Why should you doubt in regard to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements? You have My word. If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God. Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent One. Skepticism and unbelief are not humility. Implicit belief in Christ’s word is true humility, true self-surrender.” Desire of Ages, pg. 535
When Judas came to Gethsemane with a multitude to betray Jesus, one of the men with Jesus asked if they should smite with the sword. And then he “struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit even this.’ And He touched his ear and healed him.” Luke 22:50, 51
As Jesus stood before His accusers, wearing the robe of mockery and the crown of thorns, Desire of Ages, pg. 736 says, “The Saviour’s visage was not marred before His enemies. Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was no cowardly weakness, but the strength and dignity of long-suffering.”
“The Saviour went from house to house, healing the sick, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the disconsolate. He took the little children in His arms and blessed them, and spoke words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers. With unfailing tenderness and gentleness He met every form of human woe and affliction. Not for Himself but for others did He labor. He was the servant of all. It was His meat and drink to bring hope and strength to all with whom He came in contact. And as men and women listened to the truths that fell from His lips, so different from the traditions and dogmas taught by the rabbis, hope sprang up in their hearts. In His teaching there was an earnestness that sent His words home with convicting power.” Acts of the Apostles, pg. 364
O my Father, May I manifest the tenderness and gentleness of Jesus today, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
