Pursue Gentleness

Written By Jordan Whittington

1 Timothy 6:11–12
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [love of riches and dissension]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Pursue Gentleness

Hear John MacArthur’s description of gentleness: Gentleness, better translated as meekness, is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while having no desire for revenge or retribution. In the New Testament, it is used to describe three attitudes: submission to the will of God, teachability, and consideration of others.

Be honest: What do you think of gentleness?

Most of you are not a fan of this attitude and have very little desire to pursue this. Gentleness feels weak and wimpy. It seems as though it gets taken advantage of and fails to do what is necessary, and yet we are called to pursue gentleness.

Nearly everything within me wants to fight against this concept of gentleness until the Holy Spirit begins to convict me. For me, gentleness is synonymous with weakness until God shows me a better way. Sanctification is the process of God the Spirit making me more like God the Son. As I look at the life of Jesus, I see a man who embodied the gentleness described above. Jesus did not seek retribution or revenge. Jesus did not take vengeance on those who harmed Him. Jesus endured.

The life that God calls us to live is a life that looks different than the world. We are to live questionable lives, and one way in which our life is questionable is when we live out gentleness. Gentleness is displayed:

  • When we do not slander those who take advantage of us.

  • When we do not take revenge on those who take from us.

  • When we forgive those who have harmed us.

When we choose gentleness, we choose to look like Jesus.

Practical Ways to Pursue Gentleness:

  • Release a grudge today.

  • Pray for someone who frustrates you.

  • Pause before reacting.

Jordan Whittington
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Pursue Steadfastness