When you read Galatians 5:22-23, you notice the fruit of the spirit are about meekness and compassion for others. Today’s verse, we are looking at the idea of gentleness.
Gentleness is having control of what you say and showing kindness and meekness to others. It’s also part of your attitude and demeanor. How you express yourself will impact how people react to you.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
I’ve often thought if I could master perfectly this one verse, it would impact so many areas of my life and solve so many problems I create.
Through the power of the holy spirit, we can have self-control including the words we say to others. This verse in Proverbs reminds of the power of words to build up or tear down friends and family.
As you read through Proverbs 15, the writer gives us additional instruction about controlling our tongue.
In verses 2 and 7, it says the words of the wise will share knowledge. Fools will share folly and untruths.
Verse 18 warns us that a wrathful person will stir-up anger, but gentleness and self-control will appease (reduce strife).
Another warning in verse 28 that the mouth of the wicked will gush evil.
Soft and gentle answers are the best way to diffuse a hard and emotionally heavy conversations. Soft answers can be also very difficult to achieve because our emotions are involved so deeply.
We can show our gentleness to others by controlling our words. By giving soft answers (even when we are angry). Don’t respond to anger with angry or harsh words. When necessary, take extra time to give a soft and gentle answer. You won’t regret it.
As we go through our day talking and interacting with others, we can make it a goal to always give gentle and kind answers. If you are wondering what are gentle and kind words, read the gospels and pay close attention to how Jesus speaks to others.
