Back in January 2021, I chose the word gentleness as my Word of the Year. At first, it didn’t feel like a strong enough word I would want to guide my entire year. Yet, as I prayed and reflected, this was the word God kept placing on my heart.
The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23 came to mind: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Many of these seem clear, but gentleness? What does it truly mean to lead a life that reflects gentleness?
What the Word Gentleness Really Means
One definition I found describes gentleness as the quality or characteristic of being kind, tender, mild-mannered, compassionate, and considerate. It is showing love and care for others in the way you act and speak—marked with warmth and patience.
Gentleness has many synonyms: agreeability, amiable, gracious, pleasant, personable, merciful, understanding, generous, and courteous. These words remind us that gentleness touches every interaction, shaping how we respond to others.
Often mistaken for weakness, gentleness is, in reality, strength under control. It is a “strong hand with a soft touch.” It means approaching others’ weaknesses and limitations with compassion instead of criticism. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meekness and gentleness aren’t about being passive—they are about choosing peace, humility and restraint.
How Jesus Exemplified Gentleness
As we read through the Gospels, we see gentleness throughout Jesus’ life:
- In His words: He spoke truth with compassion and patience, even when confronting sin.
- In His actions: He healed the sick, lifted up the oppressed, and welcomed all people with kindness.
- In His heart: Jesus said “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).
Although Jesus had all authority and power, He consistently chose a posture of gentleness with people—strength without harshness, authority wrapped in humility.
The Importance of Gentleness in Our Words
Gentleness is often most evident in how we speak. Words have the power to heal or harm, to encourage or to cut down. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It takes great strength and self-control to speak with gentleness—to use affirming, encouraging, and life-giving words. Even when truth is difficult, gentleness allows us to share it with empathy and care.
When I chose gentleness as my Word of the Year, I realized it wasn’t a weak choice—it was a Christlike one. My prayer continues to be that my life would reflect Jesus, the perfect example of gentleness.
7 Bible Verses about Gentleness
- Ephesians 4:1–2
“… walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (ESV) - Philippians 4:5–6
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV) - Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (NIV) - 1 Timothy 6:11
“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (NIV) - 1 Peter 3:15
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV) - Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (ESV) - James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (NIV)
Live it Out: Practicing Gentleness
- Choose affirming or encouraging words in conversations.
- Look for one opportunity to respond with patience and kindness instead of frustration.
- Pray for God to shape your responses so that your strength is always guided by compassion.
Bible Color-Coding Exercise:
If you use Bible color-coding, choose a color to mark the verses on gentleness listed in this post. On your coding sheet, label them “Gentleness” or another phrase that helps you remember. As you read through the verses, also take note of the other words that appear alongside gentleness—such as patience, humility, compassion, or kindness—and consider how they connect together in your study.
- Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan.
- Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.Used by permission.
- The featured image in this post was created by AI and is not representative of real events.
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