The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

By Robb Brunansky

Published July 31, 2025

One of the defining traits of fallen humanity is weakness.

Nearly every story exploits the reality that all humanity suffers from some sort of weakness. The ancient story of Achilles, for example, has been used for centuries to remind readers that even the strongest warrior can be brought low because he has a weakness to be exploited.

People are weak in many different ways – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

This ever-present reality of weakness magnifies the importance of gentleness, which is an integral and organic part of the fruit of the Spirit. Despite this fact, gentleness is one Christian virtue that is rarely discussed – even in Christian circles. Moreover, in the world, weakness is often exploited to the advantage of the strong. Such exploitation rules out the virtue of gentleness, convincing people that not only is gentleness foolish but dangerous.

Yet, if we would walk as our Savior did, we must have a different mindset. We must cultivate the virtue of gentleness and seek to care for the weak rather than exploit them. We must give up pride and defensiveness, seeking to manifest this godly characteristic of meekness. Here are three points to help us emulate Jesus Christ in manifesting gentleness.

The first is to understand the meaning of gentleness.

Gentleness is a courageous, compassionate humility produced by the Spirit in all believers.

Humility is the central focus of this definition: the gentle person is humble. Gentleness relates to weakness, specifically how we handle the weaknesses of others. That reality indicates, like we find with the example of Moses, that we are not self-absorbed (Numbers 12:3). We should not be impressed with our titles, status, finances, physical appearance, or social standing. True humility also indicates we understand our own weaknesses. One of the clearest paths to humility is to study our own failures and weaknesses.

Another vital aspect to this humility is that it marks a submission to the Word and will of God (James 1:21). The humble person understands his weaknesses, and he understands his utter dependence on Scripture. This aspect of humility is what makes it impossible for the unbeliever to sincerely emulate, because he cannot humble himself before Scripture.

The second part of the definition is courage. We see this aspect with the apostle Paul who boldly and courageously confronted the Corinthians for their errors and sins (2 Corinthians 10-11). It wasn’t easy for Paul to write these passages, but he did so out of a courageous humility, understanding his own weaknesses and position before God. When error needed to be confronted, Paul did so with conviction and humility.

Paul told Timothy to follow this example of courageous humility (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Timothy is called to be courageous by confronting those who oppose the gospel. However, he is also to remember that they are the devil’s captives, acting as those who are insane in their opposition to Christ. So, Paul tells Timothy to confront them courageously, but also to be gentle and humble, because his hearers were like madmen due to the devil’s power over them.

Gentleness is also compassionate. Compassion indicates the spirit in which we treat others when we act in gentleness. We show love, grace, patience, and kindness – and we have pity on those who need it. Compassion is the opposite of being harsh and savage.

Second, not only must be know what gentleness means, but also we must learn from Jesus’ example of gentleness.

The prophets declare that the Messiah would be gentle (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus Himself picked up on this theme (Matthew 11:29). How, then, did Christ’s gentleness express itself?

We find numerous examples of Christ’s displayed gentleness in the gospels – the Samaritan woman at the well, His dealings with His disciples, the healing of the woman with an ongoing hemorrhage, or the raising of Lazarus from the dead are probably the most significant ones.

However, the one particular thing standing out above all is the act that made everything possible: the Incarnation. Consider the gentleness of the Son of God in coming into the world to save sinners.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ displayed incredible humility (Philippians 2:6-8). He was equal with God in deity, and He used His divine nature to help the weak. Yet, He did not regard His equality with God as an opportunity to seize power or seek His own advantage and benefit. Instead, Jesus humbled Himself by obeying all His Father’s commandments to the point of experiencing the most humiliating death humanity had ever conceived.

When we fell into sin in Adam, the Son of God could have become enraged and used every ounce of His power to destroy us. There would have been no sin in judging us for our sins without first offering salvation. Yet, Christ was instead gentle with us. He came into the world to save sinners, not condemn them. That is the true spirit of humility and gentleness.

This humility from our Lord took tremendous courage. The walk to Golgotha was the most courageous act in world history. Only the greatest courage can take someone to the cross, under the wrath of God, and to the grave with the certainty of resurrection, vindication, and glorification. All this ties into the incarnation, because the cross was Christ’s reason for coming. His courage was displayed from the moment of conception, as He descended from heaven to save His people from their sins.

It wasn’t just humility and courage, but also compassion the Lord Jesus displayed in coming down from heaven to save us. He condescended to a sinful world, taking the form of a slave as a human being. He did it willingly, faithfully, and compassionately because of His love for us.

Christ’s example serves as a powerful reminder of what kind of gentleness the Spirit would produce in us – humble, courageous, and compassionate gentleness.

Finally, we should grow in the practice of gentleness.

How can we grow in the area of gentleness? If we struggle with this specific virtue, it indicates a struggle with one of the three aforementioned areas.

People who struggle with gentleness might struggle with humility. Pride will kill gentleness. Humility begins with our relationship to God through His Word. Do we put ourselves under Scripture as subject to it, or do we sit as judges over it. The truly humble person is devoted to God’s Word.

People who struggle with gentleness might struggle with courage. The problem that often short-circuits true gentleness is a fear of man, which brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Man looks big – as do our problems and any given situation – and God looks small. To be gentle, we must learn to trust in the Lord and not fear man.

People who struggle with gentleness might struggle with compassion. The one group that really seemed to struggle with compassion in the New Testament was the Pharisees, who were rebuked by Jesus for their cold hearts and merciless attitudes toward others. The Pharisees rejected the message of the gospel that says we are all sinners in need of grace and compassion. The Pharisees didn’t like to think of themselves this way – like many of us today. When we lack compassion, it’s time to remember the immense compassion we needed and received from God in Christ. It’s time to meditate on the truths of the gospel.

Would that we be known for our gentleness, especially when we deal with those who are weak! This might be a struggle, but thank God for victories on this front. When we struggle, spend time in God’s Word, remember His power, and meditate on the truths of the gospel. God’s gentleness with us is beyond measure. May His gentleness be displayed in us through the Spirit’s power.