Gentleness is incumbent upon all Christians. This instruction carries all the more significance after Paul’s chastising of Euodia and Syntyche in verse 2-3 for their disharmony. It is difficult to be gentle and disagreeable at the same time. Because the Lord’s coming is near we need to take this to heart.

Gentleness is a quality easily overlooked on the list of priorities for Christian growth. In a world of changing theologies and philosophies, including post-modern thinking which questions the very nature of truth itself, there seems to be far more important things to be concerned with. If ever there was a time for Christians to assertively stand up in the public square to proclaim in no uncertain terms the truth of God, that time is now. Gentleness could get steamrolled by aggressive debate and by the cacophony of voices.

Gentleness as used in our passage is the translation of the Greek word epiekeio, which conveys “the quality of gracious forbearing.” It is similar to the word used by Jesus to describe Himself: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.” (Matt 11:28–30 emphasis mine). Some translations render the word as “meek.” So this is characteristic of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition, gentleness takes its place in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23), an essential aspect of the Spirit-filled life. It may seem counter-intuitive, but God places a high premium on this understated quality of personal character.

What good does it do us to be gentle in a world that says that you must look out for yourself because no one else will? Won’t we get run over by those more aggressive, who are willing to take advantage of any and all people weak enough to give way to their superior force? This is where the power of the living God comes into play. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Lord has already won! He is waiting until the world will be seen as His footstool (Heb 1:13, 10:13), but it is as good as done now. We can be gentle because we know the ultimate outcome of everything—the Lord has overcome.

Acting in gentleness is a way to step aside and allow God to supernaturally intervene. It means setting aside revenge. It means learning what Proverbs teaches, “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov 15:1).