Gentleness lives in full awareness of what is going on around you, constantly thinking of others before yourself.
It is a fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 which is derived from the Greek word prautes, meaning a condition of the heart and mind that will endure injury with patience and peace of mind. In classical Greek, the word prautes was used to describe a soothing ointment or a gentle breeze. Just think about the last time you had a really bad sunburn. For the fair-skinned people like myself, it is much easier to recall than for others. Can you recall how refreshing aloe vera felt on your burn? Just how soothing it was to relieve the pain? How it felt so cool and oh, so good? That, my friends, is the fruit of the spirit referred to as gentleness. It is soothing, calming, refreshing and absolutely necessary in a calloused, sun-burnt world.
Forerunner Commentary says that a “meek person will feel the wrong done against them and feel it bitterly. But because they are not thinking of themselves, their meekness does not allow their spirit to give vent to a hateful savage and vindictive anger that seeks to get even. They will instead be full of pity for the damaged character, attitudes and blindness of the perpetrator.”
“…to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:2
A person bearing meekness lives with eyes wide-open to the neediness of this world, not thinking of themselves but rather, constantly thinking of those in their surroundings. They are full of humility and genuinely passionate for the welfare of others, with a primary focus of becoming more like Christ. They realize they are a broken vessel, consisting of a marred past, imperfect history and ugly stories of sin. And yet, despite their shortcomings, they press on, giving their all to HIM. They are determined, with grandiose grit, to walk humbly before the Lord because they know even the length of their days have been numbered by the Lord (Psalm 139:16). God has determined the set time of their life and the exact place where they should live (Acts 17:26). Therefore, with great passion, they press on.
They walk steadfastly. Humbly seeking after Him.
Bowing humbly before the throne room, the meek in heart no longer ask “Why me?” They have come to such a place of insignificance before the throne room that they quietly ask, “Why not?” Why not? How can I possibly determine what is best for me? How do I know how to most effectively impact the Kingdom? King David asked God the same question…
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalm 8:4
Mark Hall, lead singer of the group Casting Crowns wrote the song Who am I and the chorus goes like this…
“I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.”
Why me Lord? Why did you choose me, Lord? Why did you die for me?
Reminding ourselves of the work our Lord Jesus Christ performed on our behalf on the cross results in proper positioning of bended knee. We deserved death–but were given eternal life. We deserved damnation–but were given great freedom. We deserved the penalty box–but yet, we were allowed to play.
Jesus paid the price, instead of you and me.