Be strong in gentleness. Do not confuse gentleness with weakness.
Gentleness plays a special, important role in relationships.
In today’s culture, gentleness is seen as weakness. It’s a false idea.
Reno got “strong.” He lashed out at his wife in anger – pointing fingers at her and highlighting her shortcomings – after feeling disrespected. He lost control and yelled at her.
“I’m afraid to be gentle with her. If I do, she’ll take advantage of me especially when I’m right. She’d think I’m weak,” he said about her wife after a big quarrel.
If Reno continues to treat his wife harshly and insensitively, then the marriage would most likely not last.
The truth is, gentleness is strong. It’s actually an essential sign of a stable or maturing character.
As Saint Francis de Sales put it,
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.”
Gentleness is strong hands with a soft touch.
In Inspiring Tips, writer Cyril Abello made a list inspiring ways to practice the strength of gentleness, such as:
• smile often
• do not impose your will
• listen willingly
• be polite
• avoid being impatient
• help or assist whenever you can
• cheerfully serve
• choose your words carefully
• give constructive criticisms
• use the sandwich approach
• do not raise your voice
• be quiet or walk away
• say thanks often
• be willing to say sorry
• forgive
• resist overfamiliarity
• be thoughtful
• ask for suggestions or opinions
• never display force when angry
• be gentle for yourself
Hear the principle in Scriptures as well:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
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