The concept of gentleness points to a temperament that is calm, understanding, patient, kind, and ready to forgive. It is a character trait often attributed to God Himself, and it is also a quality that believers are encouraged to manifest in their relationships with others.
What the Bible Speaks about Gentleness
In the Bible, gentleness is often used as a synonym for meekness or humility. It is not seen as a sign of weakness or passiveness, but rather as a strength under control – a desirable character trait that is rooted in love and respect for others. The gentle person doesn’t respond with violence or aggression, but instead displays understanding, kindness, and patience, even in the face of adversity.
How Jesus Embodied Gentleness
Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Bible, is the ultimate embodiment of gentleness. His interactions with people – whether it was with His disciples, the crowds that followed Him, the religious leaders, or the marginalized and forgotten of society – all reflected His gentle and humble nature. He didn’t seek His own interests, but was genuinely concerned about others, showing love, compassion, and gentleness in all His dealings.
Why Gentleness is a Fruit of the Spirit
In the New Testament of the Bible, gentleness is listed as one of the nine fruits of the Spirit. These fruits are evidences or characteristics of a life that is filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. As believers grow in their relationship with God and yield themselves to the Spirit’s influence, they should manifest these fruits, including gentleness, in their lives. Being gentle means responding with kindness and understanding, being patient and forgiving, and treating others with respect and dignity.
Who are Encouraged to be Gentle
Biblical teachings encourage all believers to cultivate and display gentleness. Church leaders and elders are explicitly instructed in the Bible to be gentle. They are entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding God’s people and are, therefore, expected to exemplify the characteristics of Christ, including His gentleness. Similarly, all Christian believers, regardless of their status, age, or gender, are exhorted to be gentle in their interactions with others. This gentleness supposed to be extended to everyone – to fellow believers, to those who do not share their faith, and indeed, to all people they encounter in their daily lives.
When Gentleness is Expected
The Bible emphasizes gentleness as a response in various situations, particularly in conflict and disagreement. When faced with opposition, believers are called to respond with gentleness and respect, refraining from harsh words or actions that could escalate the situation. This also applies to times of correction and guidance. Gentleness should guide the believer’s words and actions, expressing love and concern for the well-being of the other person. Furthermore, during moments of grief or crisis, gentleness enables believers to offer comfort, understanding, and support to those in need.
Below is our full list of bible verses on gentleness (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Gentleness
Titus 3:2
“2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
Related Themes: Gossip Humility Judging Others Meekness
1 Peter 3:15
“15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Related Themes: Hope Arguing Reverence Preparation
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
Psalm 18:35
“35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.”
Related Themes: Privacy
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
Related Themes: Criticism Patience Arguing Repentance
James 3:17
“17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Arguing Education Discernment Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Galatians 6:1
“1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Related Themes: Criticism Trespassing Reaping Pride Judging Others
Matthew 11:29
“29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Ephesians 4:2
“2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Love Bitterness Attitude
James 1:19-20
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Galatians 5:22
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Philippians 4:5
“5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Related Themes: Reputation Indulgence Gluttony Moderation
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;”
Isaiah 40:11
“11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Galatians 5:23
“23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Indulgence Temperance Self Discipline Lust
2 Corinthians 10:1
“1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:”
2 Samuel 22:36
“36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.”
Colossians 3:12
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Criticism Kindness Patience
Proverbs 15:4
“4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
Related Themes: Gossip Telling The Truth Speaking Up Speaking
1 Thessalonians 2:7
“7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:”
Related Themes: Education
1 Timothy 6:11
“11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
Related Themes: Lust Holiness Patience Faith Perseverance
Colossians 3:12-15
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Criticism Kindness Patience
Micah 6:8
“8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Related Themes: Humility Justice Strangers Business Social Justice
Proverbs 25:15
“15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.”
Related Themes: Patience
1 Peter 3:4
“4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Isaiah 53:7
“7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Related Themes: Complaining Silence Self-Control Persecution
Matthew 5:5
“5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Meekness Humility Inheritance
1 Peter 2:23
“23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”
Related Themes: Criticism Attitude Patience Offense Resentment
James 1:21
“21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
