Blog
The Power of Gentleness
Power is often understood to be wielding control and dominating opposition. We admire leaders who exert their power to conquer enemies and celebrate heroes who triumph through sheer force or cunning strategy. Even underdogs, though initially disadvantaged, often emerge victorious, further cementing the cultural narrative that power is the ultimate currency of success.
Yet, we rarely celebrate those who quell anger with gentle words. When do our stories culminate in peaceful resolutions achieved through kindness? When does mainstream media extol the virtues of quiet strength as the most effective means of combating evil? Society often equates power with aggression and dominance, overlooking the transformative potential of gentleness.
When domineering persons and pushy groups force their voice through violence and screaming, I often see rebuttals using their same methods: “we must stand” against this evil and “cry out” for that injustice. Don’t get me wrong, promoting truth, justice, and love are all good. But we must also be reminded that the way we combat acts of evil matters even more.
What should be our response to injustice? The Bible directs our attention to a most overlooked strategy: meekness.
Political - Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:12-15;
Personal - Matt 5:38-42; Romans 12:17-21;
Religious - Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:24-26; 1 Peter 3:15
It is clear that the Christian should be given to responses of gentleness rather than boisterous indignation. Is there a place for unwavering public affirmations? Yes. Is there a place for firm discipline? Again, yes. But the attitude we must have during our affirmations, disciplines, and defenses must be humility and gentleness. We are not trying to stir up anger from the other side with whom we disagree. We ought never to use inciting language. We certainly should not speak in ways which blatantly ignore another person’s feelings or point of view just for personal or political reasons. This does not “show consideration for all men” (Titus 3:1-2). We do not want a shouting match. We are not trying to make ourselves martyrs of our cause by provoking an enemy. It is our goal to live quietly and peaceably with ALL men, even our enemies who hurt us.
But what about the powerful heroes and great acts of strength shown even in the Bible? Yes, the Lord is a Warrior (Ex 15:3), and the man after God’s own heart was a “man of bloodshed” (1 Chron 28:3). First, we must recognize that God is allowed to be as indignant and forceful as He wants, because He has all authority (1 Thess 4:6; 2 Thess 1:5-10). He is the creator. It is His glory that is affronted by all wrongs. Therefore, when it comes time to judge, He is in the right for doing so passionately. But consider this: how is God dealing with your soul now? You have personally affronted God by choosing self over Him at some point in your life. That affront does not just vanish on its own. He chose to reconcile you back to Him, not through the image of a conquering mighty warrior, but of a silent and gentle Lamb. Through Christ God displays the greatest gentleness every shown. When we consider the totality of God’s power, the extent of punishment possible, and the holy indignation which God Almighty must have, the overwhelming attitude we come face to face with is His gentleness.
Gentleness is not inability to force others into submission. Gentleness implies restraint. In this way, we see God with the ability to act in vengeance and aggression, but choosing instead mercy and second chances. God’s power is seen in His gentleness. From our standpoint, we may wish to achieve the power to “control or command” others, but the greatest amount of power we can achieve is to control ourselves. A person who does not control themselves has no claim to strength. When we show gentleness in the face of adversity and anger, we display true power. Let us not return evil for evil, but gently do good for all people, seek their best interest, and turn away wrath with soft words.
