In our fast-paced, often harsh world, gentleness can seem like a forgotten virtue. Yet gentleness is a profound and essential aspect of walking the path of Jesus. Take, for instance, Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus extends a gentle invitation to all who are weary and burdened:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
The Nuance of Gentleness
The word “gentle” appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often translated as “meek” or “humble.” These translations highlight the interconnectedness of these virtues. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 is to follow His way of gentleness and humility of heart, offering rest and relief from the heavy burdens we carry. I sometimes wonder if one of these burdens is our perceived “need” to react in ways our culture deems strong.
Gentleness in Our Culture
In today’s society, gentleness is not always valued. Strength is often equated with loudness, brashness, and even anger. However, God’s strength is gentle. Jesus exemplified this through His interactions with children, His healing touch, and His compassionate words. Imagine a world where our interactions were marked by gentleness rather than harshness. How different would our political discourse, our family dynamics, and our daily encounters be?
Practicing Gentleness
Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” This wisdom challenges us to respond gently, even when confronted with anger or hostility. Our natural reaction may be defensive or retaliatory, but a gentle response can diffuse tension and promote peace.
One practical way to cultivate gentleness is through the practice of pausing. Before reacting, take a moment to breathe and consider a gentle response. This pause can prevent us from saying or doing things we might later regret.
Centering Prayer and Gentleness
Incorporating practices like centering prayer can also help us develop a gentle spirit. Centering prayer involves four key principles:
- Resist No Thought: Allow thoughts to arise without pushing them away.
- Retain No Thought: Avoid grasping onto thoughts, whether positive or negative.
- React to No Thought Emotionally: Let thoughts pass without emotional engagement.
- Return Ever So Gently: Gently return to your sacred word or intention when your mind wanders.
These principles teach us to be gentle with our thoughts and emotions, fostering a spirit of gentleness in our daily lives.
Gentleness in Action
How can we incorporate gentleness into our lives? By practicing it daily. Here are some ways to cultivate gentleness in various aspects of life:
- With Ourselves: Be kind in your self-talk. Avoid harsh criticism and embrace self-compassion.
- With Others: Use gentle words in your interactions. Consider how you can respond with kindness, even in challenging situations.
- In Our Movements: Practice gentle walking and gestures. This mindfulness can extend to how we treat the environment and those around us.
Conclusion
Jesus modeled and taught a gentle and humble way of life. As we practice gentleness, it can become our natural response, transforming our interactions and bringing peace to our weary souls.
Infinitely Precious 
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