The word gentleness--or, in some translations, meekness-- means power with reserve and gentle-force. According to the HELPS word-study, (which I use a lot, along with the Hebrew and Greek lexicon. I love words!!) "to the believer it means a divinely balanced virtue that can only operate through faith". Colossians 3 is a continuation of Paul's thoughts in Colossians 2. He has encouraged the new believers to both dig deep and build up in their faith in Christ Jesus He warns them of false teachers, and how easy it is to be drawn away. Then in chapter 3, he encourages them to be different than the world around them. To show compassion, kindness, humility, meekness (our word), and patience, forgiveness, and love. In 1 Timothy 6, Paul reminds Timothy to run away from the works of the flesh and run after the things of God--righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy that the Lord's servants should be known by their actions; they should not be known to argue about every hot topic, but kind and patient, gentle and able to teach. The motivation for these actions is not bonus points, or pats on the back, or praise; but to draw those led by their sinful nature to meet the Spirit of the Living God through our actions, that they may come to their senses and know the truth. 1 Peter 3 contains one of my favorite verses, "always ready to give a reason for your hope in Christ, but with gentleness and respect."
Galatians 5:16-26 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never lead us to promote division, hostility, conflict, quarrel, or competition. That's not how things are done in the kingdom of God. According to 2 Timothy 2:25, the Holy Spirit will also not force us to be a doormat for everyone to stomp on. We Can correct those who disagree with us, but with gentleness--power with reserve and gentle-force. "But everybody is so wrong and they are so mean!!" (I know, I have social media 👀) Its hard to be gentle AND right, isn't it? But it's not impossible. Not for those of us who really want to let the Spirit lead. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 got me today. Paul is telling Timothy to look at all circumstances in light of eternity. It will be a fight to hold onto his faith, but he's stood before many witnesses and declared that's what he intends to do. Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate who, by all appearances, held Jesus' life and death in his hands. Jesus could have argued and quarreled and He would have won. But it's our sin that leads us to argue and quarrel. The kingdom of God isn't won by an argument, it's won by truth. In John 18:37, Jesus gives the good confession--"For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into this world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Power with reserve, gentle-force, divinely balanced virtue. Be like Jesus.
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