Word ramblings: gentleness

(originally published March 2, 2021)

Philippians 4:5a

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.”

People balk at the idea of being a gentle person. We’re told we need to be strong, to be resilient, to stand up for yourself and don’t take no flack from nobody.

But do you forget what gentle is?

A pastor friend of mine always defines gentleness as “power under control.” Like the massive horse, with the strength to pull a wagon, who stands patiently as the ten-year-old fumbles to buckle the saddle’s girth under his belly. That is gentleness.

Second, I’m not looking for advice from the world. They contradict each other all the time telling me what I need to be. I will choose to trust that the One who made me and holds power over angel armies knows better.