opposite of gentleness in the bible

In fact, it was his gentleness that allowed him to touch the hearts of so many people and change their lives forever. The biblical book of James says that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. We're also more likely to receive blessings from God. We should also work at controlling our tempers with grace, kindness, patience, forgiveness, love and respect for others. But it is also important to remember that he was a man who was deeply compassionate and full of mercy. . It can be difficult to remain gentle when we have been hurt, but it is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and that nobody is perfect. It was a failure, and he tore up a good deal of potential evidence. 16 Best Bible Verses About Teaching Children in God's Way 4.) Its the opposite of anger and harshness. Is it not fitting then for believers to exude this same characteristic? brutality. If the previous search had been crushing a walnut with a sledgehammer, the current team is crushing a walnut with precision lasers and analyzing content all the way through the process. Gentleness is a Christian virtue to be used in every aspect of your life. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Although gentleness in the Bible is also translated as "meekness". Download these beautiful gentle scripture cards for free here! Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Gentleness, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Gentleness. It is a positive trait that can help you improve your relationships with others and even yourself. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. It can only tell us what we should not do and why its wrong. Let your gentleness be known of all men. Gentleness is getting something done. People who are gentle tend to be happier and more content with life. 4. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. This means that when gentleness exists in your life, its because God has planted it there. Beginning and End God has neither beginning nor end. sometimes it requires great gentleness. This verse tells us that we should not only be kind toward others but also put their needs before our own. He was said to have been cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer. The word gentleness in this context comes from the Greek word (prautes), which conveys the concepts of mildness, meekness or softness. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Jesus was gentle in his interactions with people when he preached about love or healed someone who was sick (see Matthew 9). One definition comes from Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness. Another translation says, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering. The word for gentleness here means strength under control or power working itself out in love. 10 Ways Jesus Is a Gentle Man - Bible Study - Crosswalk.com Gentleness is typically used as an opposite of harshness. In sharing the good news of the gospel we are to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16). The quality of gentleness is the opposite of harshness with others. We live in a broken world, and it can be easy to become jaded and hardened by the pain we see around us. Its a way of dealing with people, yourself, and God. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Gentleness Definition In The Bible - CHURCHGISTS.COM Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter ( Jer 11:19 ; cf. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we humble ourselves and remember that we too are sinners in need of forgiveness, it becomes easier to extend grace. I get upset easily and raise my voice. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and it's not just a nice thing to be. If this is also important to you and you want to teach your children how to be kind and loving, then well benefit from learning what gentleness means in the Bible. The New Testament is full of examples of Jesus gentleness. Gentleness comes from a state of humility. He will still be gentle and lowly in heart. Let's think of when Jesus portrayed kindness and gentleness. 7. Galatians 5:23 says, against such there is no law.. The Oxford Dictionary defines gentleness as, "the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered." Kindness is literally a part of gentleness; the two are intertwined, and therefore when one is portrayed, so is the other. The law cannot give us the strength to be gentle. Paul showed kindness and gentleness toward those who persecuted him (see Acts 23). Gentleness isnt weakness; its not passive or submissive either. Again, the goal is always the unity of the Spirit; that is the demonstrated testimony of transforming gospel power. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? Fighting destroys relationships and takes so much time to repair. 9 Gentleness Antonyms. Full list of opposite words of gentleness. Weekly Devotional: Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness | GCU Blogs 2. This is similar language to what Paul used in 1 Corinthians 4:21, when he contrasts gentleness with coming to them with a rod.. Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. People should be able to see Christ in us because we are kind and gentle to others, even when they are not to us. In other words, its not weakness; its strength under control. It is the ability to be kind and loving even in the face of adversity. What Does the Bible Say About Gentleness? - OpenBible.info God provides many examples of gentleness in the bible, Jesus himself being the best model. Therefore, as followers of Jesus we are called to exhibit this character trait in our own lives. Check Out Amazon Educational Resources on The Spirit of Gentleness. Gentleness is when the stronger restrain their strength for the sake of the weaker. Who showed gentleness in the bible? Explained by Sharing Culture Some of these people include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. Gentleness is closely related to humility and meekness. In fact, the Bible tells us that we are to follow Gods example of gentleness (Ephesians 5:1). And they bring the gospel of peace with gentleness and love, not harshness. I hope you enjoy and come back often. As parents and caregivers, let us always remember the power of gentleness in shaping the hearts and minds of our children. That whole book was completely opposite of what we're going to talk about this morning, which is having a gentleness about our life. A common misconception is that gentleness is weakness or passivity. There is also peace with God. 6. How The Fruit Of The Spirit Changes Us - Woman of Noble Character Doesnt gentleness keep us from getting things done? I think about what Paul said in Philippians on shining like stars in a crooked and perverse generation. Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. Matthew 6:14-15 says, For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. So let us always be gentle! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To have gentleness is to have a gentle spirit or nature about you. But what is gentleness? Gentleness comes from a state of humility. It is related to another Greek word often used in the New Testament, (tapeinophrosyne), which speaks of humility or lowliness of mind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. Gentleness is opposed to all forms of prideful anger: "quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility" ( 2 Corinthians 12:20 ). 3. Peace (Galatians 5:22) | Bible.org ( Matt. We have to ask ourselves if gentleness doesnt work, perhaps we are striving for the wrong kingdom. Heres everything you need to know about this virtue and how you can use it in your life! Be considerate of others feelings and needs. It is the opposite of harshness and violence. Ill be blunt and say that one of the best things you can do to grow in a spirit of gentleness would be to turn off the 24-hour news stations and talk radio. This sandbox wisdom happens to be in agreement with the Bible. When Jesus needed to not be interupted, he went off to a place to pray- my sons understand when I am in my room with the door closed. The Bible is full of examples of Gods character, and one of the most prominent traits is His gentleness. Consider others as important and worthy of kind regard. When we think about gentleness, we often think about it as a weakness. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Fashion designer Coco Chanel once remarked, gentleness doesnt get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs., Sadly, this dismissal of gentleness is not reserved for the world. But the opposite is true. Because gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can show true gentleness. 9. When we develop lazy attitudes in some areas, that laziness tends to spread to other areas as well. The quality of gentleness is the opposite of harshness with others. We will not be easily offended and will control our tempers. Gentleness is one of the most important virtues in the Bible. People have been searching for this treasure for hundred of years. In accord with the prophecy, he enters Jerusalem in gentleness and lowliness ( Matt 21:5 ). 94-96, 240-42; W. Bauder, NIDNTT, 2:256-64; H. Preisker, TDNT, 2:588-90; F. Hauck and S. Schulz, TDNT, 6:645-51. What the Bible says about Gentleness - Bible Tools The Bible is full of examples of gentleness. When we're gentle with ourselves and with others, we represent and experience Him. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Galatians 5:22-23. Reach out to the person who hurt you and try to reconcile. When you treat others gently you gain trust and respect. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); My Goal Is to Inspire You and Help You Have Fun Serving Our Lord - Have Fun Greg, 11/22 I added a New Feature - There will be a JLT Video Video that you can play - It will Show Lesson in Caption Form - If you turn on your sound it will Read it to You -I will have all added by 3/23 - God Bless Greg, 12/22 I have added a New Feature - Where applicable I will add a Quiz - to sharpen your knowledge going forward as we do lessons - Feel Free to Use it as you Like - Have Fun Greg, 1/12/23 I Have Added a New Category - Bible Verses on - The Topic We are Covering Will Now have a List of Associated Bible Verses - Enjoy, 2/17/2023 I Have Added a New Feature Each Lesson will Have a Unique Facts Page about the Topic - Enjoy Greg, 2/10/2023 I have Begun a New Series of Lessons - "What does the Bible Say About" I am Working Through Major Topics in Bakers Illustrated Bible Dictionary - for my Topics (Adding 30 Topics / Month} - Feel free to use - Greg, Leading Missionary Teams for 40 Years"Where Their is No Vision - The People Perish" KJVProverbs 29:18" As Iron Sharpens Iron - So One Person Sharpens Another"Proverbs 27:17"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. In the OT its often translated humbleas in Psalm 24:9, 33:3, 75:10, 146:6, and 149:4. I'm too self-centered to stop and kiss my child's scraped knee. However, there are many situations for which it requires great strength of character and self-control to be gentle. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! We need to allow God to work in us so that we can be more like Jesus every day. Gentle occurs in the Old Testament only in the Revised Version (British and American) of Jeremiah 11:19, "I was like a gentle lamb" (kebhes). Even in our sin, He continues to love us. Consider how you talk to yourself. And as we engage others we should avoid quarreling with them but should instead have perfect courtesy toward all people. People Are Fragilehandle With Care - sermoncentral.com We also model for them the importance of exhibiting self-control and respect. W. Barclay, New Testament Words, pp. And how can you use gentleness to improve your relationships with others? It doesnt have to be an extravagant gesture, something as simple as offering to rub their tired feet or making them a cup of tea when you see them looking frazzled can make such a difference. 5:16, 22-23) . The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is love? Gentleness is the quality of being kind and considerate. . In this blog post, we will explore a few examples of gentleness from the Bible. In the Old Testament the Septuagint uses it once in Psalm 45:4. You will be blessed and rewarded by God when you get to heaven and receive His peace and favor here on earth too. Evil has a beginning and its end will be everlasting. There are many benefits to being gentle, including happiness, better relationships, and less stress. I have been helped in the area of gentleness, Youre welcome glad to hear its helpful! You can find various definitions of gentleness online: A mildness of manners or disposition Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love. If you want to see real, biblical gentleness, open your bible to one of the gospels, and reflect on Jesus's words and actions. He healed the sick, preached to the masses, and showed compassion to everyone he met. and with a gentleness or meekness in his life. Galatians 5:22-25. Gentle words wield great power ( Prov 15:1 ; 25:15 ). We need His help to be gentle! This is because gentleness doesn't come very naturally to me. Yield, surrender, and submit your will to the will of God. 10. Lists. Before we can begin to unpack what it means to have gentleness we must first look into the meaning of the word. Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream ( Isa 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth ( So 7:9 ). Cognate: 4240 prats (compare 4236 /prats, another feminine noun which is also derived from the root pra-, emphasizing the divine origin of the meekness) - meekness ("gentle strength") which expresses power with reserve and gentleness. It can only tell us what we should not do and why its wrong. Not only does it mean being kind to people who are kind to you, but also it means being kind even when someone isnt nice back! Paul showed kindness and gentleness toward those who persecuted him (see Acts 23). How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Thank you for this devotion that I will pin, and print and place in my Gentleness devotional. If you want to make the world a better place, start by being gentle with others. Gentleness in the bible means showing care and respect for others in the way that you act and speak. Welcome to our Family. But the Holy Spirit gives us a new quality for living, which is gentleness (1 Peter 3:4). According to that definition, one could say that gentleness isnt doing, it is being done to. This is what we are called to do as Christs disciples! This is shown in our thoughts and in the way we interact with those around us. Your email address will not be published. Gentleness: The Mark of a Christian | United Church of God jen'-t'-l-nes (`anah; epieikeia, chrestotes): In 2Samuel 22:36 `anah, "to bend low," "to condescend," is translated "gentleness," "Thy gentleness hath made me great," the Revised Version, margin "or condescension"; so also Psalms 18:35, where the word is `anwah "humility," "gentleness," or "condescension." When a Christian leader falls, it is almost always due to a lack of self-control and personal discipline. It's a beauty that cannot fade away. But the more we come to know the God who holds our future, as well as where God is taking us, the less prone we will be to carry around a harsh and bitter spirit within our hearts. Teddy Roosevelt said he thought it wise to speak softly and carry a big stick. Gentleness for many is synonymous with being quiet spoken, a pushover, and weak. In doing so, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father and demonstrate his love to the world. But the Bible speaks differently. It's a beauty that you don't have to go through all kinds of cosmetic surgery or makeup routines to preserve. It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. Masters of Self | Desiring God The New Testament. Gentleness is an important virtue because it makes the world a better place. I'm Christina, a mom of three who is passionate about helping Christian parents and caregivers tend to their children with the full character of Jesus, including his gentleness. We are to exercise our spiritual strength in love. When we think of the life of Jesus, we often think of his miracles and his teachings. The world without Christ considers gentle people to be weak people, losers, doormats. Do I have a gentle and quiet spirit? - Lies Young Women Believe Throughout history, there have been many gentle people who have made a difference in the world. Here are the nine fruits of the spirit as listed in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 889 opposites of gentleness- words and phrases with opposite meaning. The Fruit of Gentleness Leads to Blessing - MichaelChristian.us Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, But you, man of God, run from these things,and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,love, endurance, and gentleness. Meekness - Bible Tools Ask God to help you see others the way He sees them as precious children made in His image. 3. PDF The Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness Meekness - Assemblies of God USA This is why this grace is listed among the fruit of the Spirit. We should also work at controlling our tempers with grace, kindness, patience, forgiveness, love and respect for others. Gentleness on the other hand, deals with the way that one regards others. We who have the mind of Christ ought to also have at our core a gentleness of spirit. Each aspect of this fruit is characteristic of Christ Jesus. When we are gentle with our children, we send the message that they are safe and loved. Pray for God to help you forgive those who have hurt you. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. unkindness. I am a huge fan of the show The Curse of Oak Island. Its about a couple of brothers and their friends searching for a treasure on an island in Nova Scotia. Meditate on Scripture verses about forgiveness and grace. One example is found in 1 Peter 3:4-5: But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in Gods sight is very precious., Another example is found in Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.. However, Scripture reminds us that we are called to be gentle with others, even in the midst of difficult times. . The opposite of gentleness is: Rudeness, manipulation, or disrespect. It does not mean weakness, per se. GENTLENESS. He was a rough man by trade, but when it came to leading men to Christ, he employed great gentleness. The LORD recently spoke to me about how harsh I can be. And does it accomplish things? It is important to have an accurate perception of what gentleness is. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Vision of Peace (Nov. 29 - Dec. 5) - United Church of Christ When we are gentle with our children, we model for them the way God treats uswith patience, understanding, and love. But why is gentleness such an important virtue? Gentleness In The Bible -10 Ways To Live It Out But for me, it was quite revelatory. I am not affectionate, and I fail to give loving hugs. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" ( Isa 40:11 ). Gentleness Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary (biblestudytools.com) 202 Synonyms & Antonyms of GENTLENESS | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and . unkindness. Galatians 2:20. The Strength of Gentleness - Peaceful Wife Its not easy to achieve but worth striving for because then you can live at peace with yourself and others all around you. The good news is that Gentleness can be learned. It is important to Christians because it is important to God. Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" ( 1 Thess 2:7 ). In fact, it mentions it in several places. Meekness however may be distinguished from gentleness in that meekness is the way one regards oneself, and is therefore described in the Scriptures as 'lowliness of mind.' (e.g. . Instead, gentleness is a strength that comes from God. This is the spirit of gentleness that we are called to as followers of Christ. In addition, gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, so when we choose to respond with gentleness, even in tough situations, we are bearing witness to the power of God working in our lives. In the Bible, gentleness is a virtue that many people are encouraged to develop. He does not keep record of our wrongs, but offers forgiveness if we come to Him. All rights reserved. In Matthew 11:29 Jesus takes upon himself this descriptor: I am gentle and lowly in heart., And when Jesus tells us what animates him most deeply, what is most true of himwhen he exposes the innermost recesses of his beingwhat we find there is: gentle and lowly. (Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly, 19). Not only does it mean being kind to people who are kind to you, but also it means being kind even when someone isnt nice back! So when the Messiah came at last, many assumed he was going to be a cultural and political Savior,. Opposite of the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. The apostle Paul stated that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be . 8. What does gentleness mean? Explained by Sharing Culture It is power over one's Spirit that exudes a meek and mild person like Jesus. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. We are to exercise our spiritual strength in love. "Paul to TimothyII Timothy 2: 2KJV, We have Ads Running on this site. A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener ( 2 Tim 2:25 ; 1 Peter 3:15 ). Your email address will not be published. Both qualities come from God and both are fruits of His Spirit at work in our lives. In 2 Macc 15:12 Onias is said (the King James Version) to be "gentle (praos) in condition," the Revised Version (British and American) "in manner.". Gentleness in marriage As wives, we don't have the physical strength our husbands do, usually. The one who is truly wise and who has received the implanted word will be marked by gentleness. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. Powerful Examples Of Gentleness In The Bible - viralbeliever.com Gentleness is the quality or characteristic of being kind, tender, mild-mannered, compassionate, and considerate. "Entry for 'GENTLENESS'". The Strength of Gentleness - Grace to You God wants children to learn obedience to Him through their parents. In this verse, Paul makes it clear that gentleness is not something from the Law or from human effort or will power; rather, it comes from Gods grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Gentleness is not just a nice thing to be; its a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Your email address will not be published. and pushy. 5:22). What the Bible is . Bibliography. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love (Ephesians 4:2). The fruit of the Spirit is essentially the character of Jesus. Extend grace when someone offends you, even if they dont deserve it. He could have called down twelve legions of angels to rescue Him, but He didnt. By showing gentleness to our spouses, we are not only making them feel loved and appreciated, but we are also setting a tone of respect and consideration that will spill over into other areas of our lives. While many view meekness as a weakness, it is actually strength under control. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Online Christian Articles and Information Hub. 13:5) That means we need to recognize when our anger has run out of control and learn how to stop it before it gets out of hand. The opposite is "unbridled anger, harshness, brutality, and self-expression." ("Self-expression" is the picture of someone who struts and shows off.) Gentleness in the bible means showing care and respect for others in the way that you act and speak. The apostle Paul wrote, And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8) leading men to Christ is not always easy. To understand what gentleness looks like in practice, lets look at some examples from scripture: Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. My heart is too hard to go in the spirit of meekness to visit the sister who I have offended or who has offended me (, More Heart to Heart: Godly Wisdom Woman To Woman. Click here to read more verses about gentleness. Bible Verses About Protecting The Environment, Bible Verses About Protecting The Innocent, Bible Verses About Protecting The Vulnerable, Bible Verses About Pretending To Be Someone Else, Bible Verses About Proclaiming The Word Of God, Bible Verses About Praying For Lost Souls, Bible Verses About Premarital Relationships, Bible Verses About Practicing What You Preach, Bible Verses About Praising God In Hard Times, Bible Verses About Praising God With Music, Bible Verses About Poverty And Homelessness, Bible Verses About Power In The Name Of Jesus, Bible Verses About Practice Makes Perfect, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days KJV, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days, Bible Verses About Physical Pain And Healing. Gentleness is more than just being nice and kind and caring towards others; its actually the quality of God Himself who has been poured out into our hearts by His Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:5).