The Strength of Gentleness

Some of the toughest people I know in this world are also the most gentle.

Unfortunately, gentleness often gets confused with weakness in our country. We associate strength with being loud, standing our ground, defending our reputation, or making sure we always get our way. But that’s not the case! Gentleness isn’t the absence of strength. Its just strength under control.

A gentle person doesn’t need to win every argument. They aren’t quick to react when criticized or offended. They don’t feel the need to defend their reputation every time it’s challenged. Not because they lack courage, but because they possess something far more powerful: humility.

Humility is the fuel that makes gentleness go.

True gentleness requires an incredible amount of inner strength. It’s the ability to pause when our emotions tell us to react. To listen when our ego tells us to speak. To show compassion when the world gives us every reason to be angry.

And gentleness doesn’t mean being passive either. When a true warrior demonstrates gentleness; they are thoughtful in their actions, they are deeply caring toward others, and they are slow to anger. Yet when the moment calls for it, they are courageous, decisive, and assertive. They know how to stand firm without becoming hard.

I think that’s one of the most beautiful expressions of a man of God. Someone whose confidence comes not from what others think of him, but from knowing who he is and what he stands for. It’s someone who possesses the strength to fight but the wisdom to know when not to. Strength and gentleness is an incredibly attractive combo. You’ll remember it when you see it.

Be strong enough to be gentle this week ahead.

mm