“I am gentle and lowly in heart.” Jesus Christ
While the term ‘gentleman’ has historically referred more to being well-bred then well-mannered, today we often see it as a compliment of a man’s character. Indeed, as far back as 1714, Sir Richard Steele wrote,
“The appellation of Gentleman is never to be affixed to a man’s circumstances, but to his Behaviour in them.”
However you define gentleman, the Bible makes it clear that gentleness is one of the greatest attributes of a man (or anyone, for that matter). Some men might misunderstand the term and balk at ‘gentleness’ being used to describe them.
But, Gavin Ortlund, one of my favourite theologians, defines gentleness this way,
"Gentleness is not weakness: it is strength under control."
As men, we are to protect the weak and vulnerable and treat them with gentleness. As men, we are protected by God and treated with gentleness, because in his presence we are the weak and vulnerable ones. Even the Apostle Paul was compelled to say that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
As I get older, I am more and more convinced that the voice of God to us is gentle and kind. The still small voice spoken to Elijah can also be translated as a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-13). Charles Spurgeon once preached that, “Softly and gently works the Holy Spirit.” So then, our voice and actions to others must also be gentle and kind.
If we need more Scriptural proof that men are called to be gentle as well as strong, let us consider these passages:
> Jesus Himself, the God-man, describes his own heart (the very centre of who he is) as gentle and lowly (Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1).
> One of the nine fruits of the Spirit is gentleness (Galatians 5:23).
> Paul taught believers everywhere to be gentle (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12, Titus 3:2).
> Paul describes how the Apostles treated the Thessalonians as an exhorting and encouraging father as well as a gentle “nursing mother” (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12).
> A qualification for a church leader (Bishop, Elder etc.) is gentleness (1 Timothy 2:7).
> One of the characteristics that a ‘man of God’ should pursue is gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)
> The wisdom from above is gentle (James 3:17).
We also learn that gentleness is required when:
> Attempting to restore a brother or sister to the faith (Galatians 6:1)
> Sharing the gospel or defending the faith with reverence (1 Peter 3:15).
> Correcting an opponent with the hope of leading him to repentance (although a sharp rebuke is sometimes necessary as well - 1 Timothy 2:25, Titus 1:3)
Gentleness is prescribed throughout the Bible including these two proverbs:
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” Proverbs 25:15
The Lord is calling us to be not just gentlemen but gentle men; to use our strength for good. May we pursue this virtue so that we can say with King David,
“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.” Psalm 18:35
