"What Does Gentle Mean?"

Steven’s Scribbles
“What Does Gentle Mean?”
1 Peter 3:15


    The Bible commands believers to be “gentle.” As it states in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Additionally, Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” In the modern era, we have taken the meaning of gentleness out of its biblical context, often interpreting it to mean being completely inoffensive in any way. Nowadays, if you condemn sin, you are seen as not gentle. If you tell someone their religious views are wrong, you are considered not gentle. If you call out perversion in any way, you are labeled as not gentle. 


    Gentle does not mean inoffensive. It does not mean “I’ll just live by example and never say someone is wrong.” Gentleness has a biblical definition. According to HELPS Word-studies, gentleness is “meekness which expresses power with reserve and gentleness.” I like to define it as strength under control.


    Was Jesus gentle? Certainly! As 2 Corinthians 10:1 indicates. But what did Jesus do that doesn’t fit the modern definition of “gentleness?” He turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple and condemned their activities (John 2). He openly called the Pharisees and scribes hypocrites for giving heed to their own doctrine rather than to God’s law (Matthew 15). Jesus rebuked His own disciples (Luke 9:54-56). He completely dressed down the Pharisees in Matthew 23. If we used the modern definition of “gentle,” then Jesus would not be our perfect Savior. 


    However, if we understand that, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), then we will practice “strength under control” wisely, like our Lord and Savior. I love you all!


In His Service,
Steven Hugley