The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
I.
Introduction
A. 1 Peter 2:21-23
1. Christ’s example of meekness and gentleness! Humble, self-controlled, meek & gentle
(righteous!) when another’s unjust behavior agitates, frustrates, angers, oppresses, or the like.
B. NT Definitions:
1. Meekness & gentleness: closely connected; both in view (c.f. 1 Cor. 10:1)
2. Meekness (​prautēs1—~16 times in the NT) refers to an inward attitude, whereas gentleness
(primarily ​epieikeia2 —~7 times) describes outward action toward others.
3. Meekness is primarily an attitude before God—a humble, submissive spirit that accepts adversity
as part of God’s good and loving purpose for us.
4. Gentleness is “sweet reasonableness”. It’s a kind of considerateness that is often associated with
love and kindness in the NT.
5. Meekness and gentleness are the opposite of harshness, a grasping spirit, vengefulness,
self-aggrandizement and lack of self-control.
6. Power?
a World’s way:
i Self-interest, triumphalism, overwhelm opponents with force, unbridled anger,
“We have rights! We’re not going to take it!”
ii “Meekness and gentleness” viewed as timidity, cowardice, or weakness.
b God’s way:
i Meekness and gentleness is an indication of power at work—strength under
control. Faith and love are refusing to allow one to live according selfish impulses.
C. My initial motivation for studying gentleness:
1. What I saw in myself:
a Circumstances: When I’m particularly focused on expressing a contradicting point of view,
communicating strong feelings, or delivering a challenge and am emotionally
charged—frustrated, irritated, indignant, or some such. With my wife, my kids, friends,
service providers, etc.
b Misstep: Self-focus. I can get overly focused on the argument I want to present (and
perhaps the response I’d like to see), and can become driven primarily by my need to
express myself.
c Result: I can get heated, become harsh, etc.
2. Thought I needed​ to work ​ on being more ​gentle
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, ​gracious, and ​encouraging ​in such situations
(without sacrificing honesty).
D. Will see: Christ’s gentleness under pressure is a mark of discipleship—a must-have, not a nice-to-have.
II. Jesus’ example is compelling!
A. Jesus’s gentleness was deliberate, counter-cultural, and radical.
1. As prophesied (Zech. 9:9), He, the Messianic King, enters Jerusalem for the conflict of all conflicts
“gentle, and mounted on a donkey”​ ​(Mt. 21:5).
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2. Jesus ​characterized himself as ​“​gentle and humble​ in heart”​ ​(Mt. 11:29 HCSB).
3. Our Great High Priest is characterized by grace and mercy—He will deal gently with us: ​“For we do
not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been
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And related forms such as ​praus​.
And related forms such as ​epieikēs​.
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tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace
with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.”
(Heb. 4.13; see also 5:1-10)
4. Though God in the flesh (think powerful!), He chose not to annihilate or even threaten those who
were responsible for His death—because He’d entrusted Himself to the Father (1 Pet. 2:21-23),
and as an act of mercy to his oppressors: ​“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what
they are doing.”​ (Luke 23:34). This is extraordinary meekness.
5. Those external responses, were a natural overflow of the internal convictions he preached:​ ​“But I
say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those
who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”​ ​(​Luke 6:27-28​; see also ​vv. 29-36​).
B. Jesus’ gentleness can be further understood by reflecting on the gospel narratives.
1. Read a gospel looking for interesting examples. Here’s one:
a The Scribes, Pharisees, and others are frequently angered by Jesus and want Him dead.
What do we see in Jesus?
i In a sense, Jesus is at war for God—He’s committed to saying the hard things God
would have Him say (c.f. Lk. 11:39-52, 12:49). He’s not about to sacrifice speaking
the truth in order to achieve “gentleness”.
ii He challenges his opponents directly (c.f. Lk. 20:19) but didn’t bully them with
“machine gun” arguments. He often spoke in parables—His hearers need to
choose to listen and accept the message.
iii Jesus is also committed to meekness. He’s “at war”, but not overly forceful.
While his opponents’ unrighteous anger frequently leads them to desire violence
(e.g. Lk.
​ 6:11, Jn. 8:59), Jesus doesn’t “go there”. He has ​pure motives! He’s trying
to help them—the ones He knows will bring about His death.
III. Disciples of Christ are called to imitate His meekness and gentleness.
A. Jesus expected his disciples to follow in his steps (c.f. 1 Pet. 2:21-23):
1. “But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your
reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful
and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”​ ​(Lk. 6:35-36)
2. He promised rewards to those who would imitate his meekness and gentleness: ​“The gentle are
blessed, for they will inherit the earth”​ (Mt. 5:5).
3. Jesus calls God’s people to a higher standard where, when offended/oppressed, we appeal to God
for ​mercy rather than justice (1 Pet. 2:21-23; Lk. 23:34, 6:27-28; c.f. Acts 7:60)—pray for not
against our enemies. There is no place for hatred, violence, or revenge.
B. The NT further emphasizes Jesus’ expectation that His disciples ​must​ also be meek and gentle.
1. Paul imitated Jesus’ example:
a In 2 Cor. 10:1-11, Paul appeals to disloyal Corinthians who have been on the attack ​“by
the ​gentleness and graciousness​ of Christ”​ (v. 1). Paul is prepared to deal with stubborn
resistance (vv. 2, 6, 11), but his weapons, though powerful, will not be worldly (vv. 4-5).
And he remembers that the ultimate goal is to build them up not tear them down (v. 8, cf.
Titus 1:1).
b Paul contrasts the behavior of the apostles with that of the “superior” Corinthians saying:
“When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are
slandered, we ​respond graciously​.”​ ​(1 Cor. 4:12-13)
c Paul recalls a deliberate aspect of his prior conduct (1 Thess. 2:7) by writing:​ ​“we were
gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children.”​ ​(Greek word
frequently used of a nurse with trying children). He continues (vv. 10-12): ​“You are
witnesses, ​and so is God​, of how ​devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly​ we conducted
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ourselves with you believers. As you know, like a father ​with his own children​, we
encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls
you into His own kingdom and glory.”
Gentleness is a ​fruit of the Spirit​, whom we are called to follow (Gal. 5:22-25), standing in contrast
with hatred, discord/strife, and outbursts of anger (v. 20) which are works of the flesh.
Gentleness is commanded when restoring struggling disciples:​ ​“Brothers, if someone is caught in
any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit,
watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted.”​ (Gal. 6:1)
Gentleness is the way to unity:​ ​“urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with
all ​humility and gentleness​, with patience, accepting one another in love”​ ​(Eph. 4:2).
The anxious are called to be gentle/gracious:​ ​“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is
near.”​ (Php 4:5).
Those who have new life in Christ are called to gentleness: ​“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy
and loved, put on heartfelt ​compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience​, accepting
one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the
Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.”​ (Col. 3:12-13)
Gentleness is a qualification for elders (and principle of leadership):​ ​“not a bully but gentle”​ ​(1
Tim. 3:3 HCSB).
Gentleness is part of the antidote to the love of money and a mark of godly character: ​“But you,
man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance,
and gentleness”​ (1 Tim. 6:11).
Gentleness rather than quarreling: ​“The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be ​gentle to
everyone​, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness.”​ (2 Tim.
2:24-25)
Disciples are called to gentleness because of Christ’s mercy toward us: ​“Remind them to be
submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no
one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness ​to all people​.”​ (Titus 3:1-2)
Gentleness is a mark of godly character, the wisdom from above: ​“Who is wise and has
understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s
gentleness… But the wisdom from above is first pure, then ​peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full
of mercy​ and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.”​ (James 3:13, 17)
Amidst unjust suffering: ​“Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a
reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with ​gentleness and respect​, keeping your
conscience clear”​ (1 Peter 3:15-16)
It is interesting to note some of the other qualities associated with gentleness (see above) in the
Bible—e.g. humility, graciousness, mercy, respect, patience, etc. Noteworthy:
a Calling for disciples in interactions with outsiders: ​“Act wisely toward outsiders, making
the most of the time. Your speech should ​always be gracious​, seasoned with salt, so
that you may know how you should answer each person.”​ ​(Col. 4:5-6)
b Calling/responsibility to build up others: ​“Now we who are strong ​have an obligation​ to
bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and ​not to please ourselves​. Each one of
us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ​For even the Messiah did not
please Himself​. On the contrary, as it is written, ​The insults of those who insult You have
fallen on Me.”​ (Rom. 15:1-3)
c Calling, even if offended/injured by a brother:​ ​“​No foul language​ is to come from your
mouth, but ​only what is good for building up someone in need​, so that it gives grace to
those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day
of redemption. ​All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed
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from you​, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ​.”​ (Eph. 4:29-32)
IV. Putting it into practice
A. Reflect
1. Self-Examination
a I began by striving to take an honest look at my behavior (What is behind these character
sins? Where am I deviating from Christ-like behaviors?) by asking questions. (Find a few
of them below. Ask your own…)
b Gentleness?
i Am I focused primarily on ​my need to get something off my chest, ​or their need to
consider something that might be helpful to them?
ii Do I really think that more force translates to more impact? Don’t people “get it”
and change on their own schedule? Perhaps the only thing that more force
guarantees is that there’ll be more bruising in the process.
iii Is force an attempt to bully him into doing what I think is best? If so, shouldn’t I
instead be honoring and promoting the ‘freedom to choose’ that Christ offers
each of us?
iv Can I express “concern” while I also showing that I care for the person?
c Graciousness:
i Do I need to address every concern and share all of my hard feelings? Or should I
choose to not express some aspects, in order to not overwhelm or be overly
negative?
ii Why speak now? Have I considered what would work best for him?
d Encouragement:
i Is my laser focus on delivering a point of view preventing me from listening or
from identifying the good/progress/positives that need to be acknowledged?
e Golden Rule:
i Do I appreciate gentleness when being confronted? Do I appreciate being given a
little to chew on vs. being nailed on every aspect possible?
2. Christ’s Example
a How has Christ treated me during the darker periods of my life (when I’ve had the wrong
opinion, when I’ve hurt him deeply, when I’ve needed to be confronted on my sin, etc.)?
Hasn’t He been undeservedly gentle and meek, gracious and even encouraging? Am I not
grateful that He has?
b Remember his example and calling.
c Remember that a gentle, gracious and encouraging spirit will not only please and glorify
God, but can also bless others (c.f. Prov. 15:4, 16:24, Eccl. 10:12).
3. Think about specific situations.
a Parenting​: Dangers of being too forceful/controlling in parenting (Eph. 6:4).
b Discipling​: Be direct/honest without being rough/raw/harsh/loud (Eph. 4: 15).
c Those in authority over us​: gentleness can be powerful/impactful (Prov. 25:15).
d Disagreements or Tension​: Love takes priority over knowledge, relationship (respecting &
protecting) over issues (persuading, winning or even coercing)—1 Cor. 8:1, 13:2.
e Grievance/mistreated​: Entrust myself to God (c.f. 1 Peter 2:20-23).
B. Rely​ (on God)
1. Meditate on the Scriptures.
2. Memorize Scriptures for times of need.
3. Prayer:
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a
b
c
d
Pray about my heart:
i Help to really see my sin ​→​humbly confess it to God ​→​ask for a heart change (Psa
51:10, cf. Eze. 36:24-27).
Pray through emotional barriers:
i From​ I’m justified because “He started it!” to ​love your enemies
ii From ​overwhelmed to ​inspired
iii From ​fear of failure to ​faith
iv From ​fear of consequences to ​determination to glorify God
a. “Will I be taken advantage of? Will I have less influence is some
situations? Will I suffer loss as a result?” … Maybe!
b. Jesus did. Is “Christ crucified” a stumbling block for me (1 Cor. 1:18-24)?
c. Do I consider all such “losses” rubbish/filth compared to surpassing value
of knowing Jesus (Php. 3:8-15)?
d. It’s clearly God’s will that I walk like Jesus. If it is also God’s will that I have
whatever I fear I might miss/lose, then God can take care of that!
e. Better to lose the world but walk meekly and say “It is finished!” (Jn.
19:30) than to gain the world and hang my head low knowing I’d refused
to be like Him!
When difficulty is anticipated, prepare for obedience to the call to gentleness by praying
in advance (about obeying).
Honest prayers (c.f. the Psalms). Deal with emotions about circumstances and other
people in prayer to God, so I don’t feel compelled to put all of those emotions on others.
It’s then easier to be clear-minded, gracious, and gentle. (Learn to recognize when my
emotions are dangerously strong.)
C. Resolve​!
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1. Resolve to avoid quarrelling ​ (​2 Tim. 2:23-26​):
a Refuse to quarrel (boundaries!): ​“the Lord’s servant must not quarrel”​ ​(“Arguments
always shed more heat than light.”)
b Be kind: ​“instead, he must be kind”​ ​(It can help diffuse tension)
c Keep teaching Biblical principles in a calm spirit: ​“able to teach…gently instruct”
d Don’t become resentful: ​“not resentful”​ (“Don’t take it personally”)
e Leave room for God: ​“in the hope that God will grant them repentance”​ (Don’t try to
force them…)
2. Solicit encouragement from others
3. Resolve to be like Jesus!
a Focus on ​being, not merely on ​doing. (Just as a good tree produced good fruit, Mt. 7:17,
having the meekness and gentleness of Christ in our hearts will take care of the doing.)
b Decide to focus on the struggle to trust God and surrender to His call to gentleness, not
just on what’s agitating me—the reasons why I don’t feel like being gentle. Jesus did that
(Mt. 26:38-39, 1 Pet. 2:21-23.)
c By resolving to be like Jesus we can be gracious and overcome our natural tendency to
have sinful reactions to mistreatment (c.f. 1 Cor. 4:12-13). Where’s my focus?
d Is this hard? Yes! Walk in His steps. Do it ​for Him!4
Trevor Mendez, 6-Oct-2016
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Based on “The Power of Discipling” by Ferguson, pp. 102-103
​ ote: Biblical foundation for gentleness etc. calls for broader applications than the character changes I had in focus!
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