Gentle Doesn’t Mean Passive

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

It is so important to understand a gentle person is not a passive person, but a proactive person. Meekness doesn’t affect so much what you do as it does how you do it.

Peter gives an example of this principle, saying, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

In other words, being gentle doesn’t mean you have to be silent or passive. You can be strong and confident in what you believe and in voicing those beliefs, but you can do so in a gentle and meek way. You can still be active in your faith, strong in your convictions, and bold in your actions while demonstrating gentleness towards the people around you.

Jesus did exactly that, setting an example with His life on earth that we all should follow. It was the spirit of gentleness that caused Jesus to go to a cross so that He could totally but tenderly forgive us for our sins. Let us walk in this same spirit of gentleness as we continue to follow Christ.

Dear Father, I’m so grateful that you showed us how to be bold and gentle all at the same time. Thank you that you are not a passive God. I pray that you would give me confidence, boldness, and courage to remain grounded in my beliefs, but to communicate those beliefs with others in a gentle way. Amen.