Be Appropriately Gentle
We are commanded to always be gentle to everyone (Eph 4:2, NLV). While gentleness is an element of being kind, respectful, and considerate, this does not exclude our rebuking another when that is needed. Yet, the manner of carrying it out should be as gentle as possible given the person and situation. After all, gentleness is a fruit, or result, of being influenced by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
Gentleness requires humility instead of pride. If we are proud, we will have less compassion on others and, thus, not be as gentle. We cannot be proud when we are being influenced by God’s Spirit. The one fruit of the Spirit is a love that displays such qualities, besides gentleness, as being good, patient, kind, and self-controlled. This is why being gentle implies that we are patient, compassionate, and kind toward others even when their behavior could easily lead us to be frustrated with them (Col 3:12). A gentle person is gracious (Phil 4:5). Although love can be tough, we need to avoid being harder on others than their behavior warrants.
Since God’s gentleness has made us great, we should be gentle with others because we want them to be great – to be the best version of themselves that they can be (Ps 18:35, GW). We want to do for others what the Lord has done for us. He gives grace to the gentle and we want Him to give grace to others because we love them (Prov 3:34, BBE). Let us, therefore, be gentle toward others whenever that is possible.
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.