35 Bible Verses to Help You Understand Gentleness
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, a character quality exemplified by Jesus, and an attribute of God reflected in the compassionate hearts of his followers.
When I think of gentleness, I think of these quotes:
Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
“I choose gentleness… Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.”
― Max Lucado
“Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
― Ralph W. Sockman
The Message paraphrase describes gentleness as “not needing to force your way in life.” Gentleness is power under restraint. Choosing bitterness or outbursts is the easy way out–staying humble and kind in the face of adversity takes more strength.
What is gentleness?
The Oxford dictionary defines gentleness as the quality of being kind, tender, and mild-mannered. Other synonyms include benignity (not causing harm), humaneness, mercy, considerateness, forgiveness, and forbearance.
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated gentleness is chrēstotēs and means moral goodness, integrity, benignity, and kindness.
In the Old Testament Hebrew the word translated “gentle” can also mean soothing or healing. Other places the translation means soft or mild. Still another can translate gentle as meaning humble and lowly.
What are the qualities of gentleness?
Being a gentle person doesn’t mean being a doormat or being timid. Often we assume gentle people are being taken advantage of and need to “toughen up”. That’s not the Biblical perspective on gentleness.
Instead, gentleness is a quality to be admired and developed in our lives. It conveys a softness and tenderness of spirit, while possessing the courage and fortitude to choose kindness and patience in tense situations. It’s the attitude of a careful surgeon, bringing healing through humility and precision; and who also possesses the perfect bedside manner inspiring confidence and putting their patients at ease.
How does God define gentleness?
Truly God defines gentleness as Jesus Himself. I love that through Christ Jesus we see gentleness personified. A man tender and playful with children, bringing healing and empathy to the sick and hurting; but also not afraid to call out wrong, challenge his followers and upset cultural norms.
Why is gentleness so important to God?
Gentleness is not a trendy character trait in American culture or Christianity. We much prefer our leaders to be confident, bold and charismatic. But a gentle Christ-follower is truly a person who has been molded by the Holy Spirit and who is modeling their life after Jesus. While some people may be more mild-mannered or even-tempered than others, true gentleness can be cultivated in our lives, just like any other Christ-like character quality. (Read to the end of the article to see my tips for developing gentleness!)
Gentleness in the Bible
God’s Word has a lot to say about gentleness, both as an attribute and action of God and as a gift of the Holy Spirit to be grown in and practiced by believers.
35 Bible Verses About Gentleness
Gentleness Scriptures in the Old Testament
May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! -Deuteronomy 32:2-3
You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. -Psalm 18:35
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. -Proverbs 15:4
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. -Proverbs 15:1
With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. Proverbs 25:15
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. -Isaiah 40:11
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. -Isaiah 43:15-16
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. -Zechariah 9:9
Gentleness Scriptures in the New Testament
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.” -Matthew 11:28-30
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? -1 Corinthians 4:21
By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 Corinthians 10:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. -Galatians 6:1
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. -Philippians 4:5
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12
We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were gentle among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. -1 Thessalonians 2:6-8
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. -1 Timothy 3:2-4
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. -1 Timothy 6:11
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. -Titus 3:1-2
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-22
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. -1 Peter 1:3-4
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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. -1 Peter 3:15
3 Stories and Examples of Gentleness in the Bible
The Gentle Whisper
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12
When Elijah is at the end of his rope–spiritually, emotionally, and physically–God comes to speak to Him through a gentle whisper. So many times in our own lives we look for God in the big and boisterous moments, but He is often closer in the quiet, small, everyday moments where He gently moves us along toward greater love to Him and others.
Jesus and the Little Children
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. -Matthew 19:13-15
Jesus’ gentleness was evident in the way he tenderly touched and made time for little children. While his disciples assumed he had no time or interest in interacting with them, Jesus instead, engaged with them, blessed them, and held them up as a model of faith.
The Prodigal Son
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. -Luke 15:20
God’s gentleness is seen in this story as he is the kind and good Father, not forcing his way upon His sons, but celebrating, confronting and comforting them through the ups and downs of life.
Gentleness Bible Studies
Ready to dive deeper into gentleness and what it means in the Bible? Check out these Bible studies to learn more on your own or with a group!
- Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortland – This is the highly rated Bible study designed for group or solo work to accompany Dane Ortland’s top recommended book on gentleness and humility.
- Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore – Although not entirely focused on gentleness, this study will help you unpack all of the fruits of the Spirit with Biblical accuracy and application.
- Powerful Bible Verses About Gentleness — This is one of my many Scripture Writing plans that allows you to slowly and meditatively study a topic in Scripture over 20-30 days.
How to grow in gentleness as a Christ-follower
- Examine gentleness in the Bible. Study how God shows gentleness to us and how gentleness is expected of believers.
- Slow down your response time. Gentleness is often contrasted with harsh or quick responses. When you’re tempted to lash out harshly or assume the worst, slow yourself down. Practice some deep breathing for even just 10-20 seconds.
- Pray: “Jesus help me be gentle”. Once you’ve paused ask Jesus to show you the gentle response–one that is humble, kind, and would bring healing to the situation.
- Respond gently. Think of your response on a scale from your natural gut response being a 5 to Jesus’ gentleness being a 1. Can you bring your reaction one point closer to Jesus? Aim for yieldedness over perfection and know God will keep working gentleness in your life the longer you follow Him and listen to the Spirit’s voice.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for help, reminders and opportunities to practice gentleness.
Biblical gentleness is a beautiful and powerful thing to see in action. How blessed we are as believers to be recipients of God’s gentle heart–healing, timely, humble, compassionate, kind, and patient! What a huge calling to become people who operate in the power of gentleness for the glory of God!
Do you have any questions about gentleness in the Bible or an observation about gentleness to share with our community? Drop them in the comments!
