Gentleness is recalled as many things, such as a stream or a river, (Isaiah 40:11), and Jesus as a Shepherd caring for his flock (Isaiah 40:11). This fruit is seen multiple times in the Bible as a part of God’s character and an attribute of his power, but also in how we should treat others. In this day and age, a world of prowess and control, we equate gentleness to a form of weakness. But as John Piper so beautifully puts it, it is not feebleness but “godly exercise of power.” 

When we look at the heart of Jesus’ ministry, he showed his strength but also his tenderness. From his birth in a lowly state, to how he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus demonstrated gentleness and power is his character. 

Jesus’ gentleness however does not make him yield from showing his might and justice. He turned over tables and called out the Pharisees. This is not Jesus contradicting himself, this is him exercising what Piper says is a godly exercise of power. The one who will wipe every tear from our eyes also crushed death's power under his feet when he took his final breath on the cross. It is possible to have incredible gentleness in the presence of great strength. 

Jonathan Edwards describes manhood as not “ a hard, tough exterior with a soft, spineless interior, but just the opposite—a steely, rock-solid interior mediated through an exterior emanating with the beauty of gentleness.” 

So how do we exercise this fruit? When Peter talks about the gospel he adds that it should not be done by gloating but “with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:16-22). When Paul talks about how we should hold ourselves as believers, he says “Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near” (Philipians 4:5). It is apparent that this disposition of gentleness is a window to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, a picture of the grace that has touched each one of our hearts. 

We can boldly proclaim our God with that rock solid interior Edwards speaks of, mixed with the humble tenderness that Jesus mimicked on earth. That is where the Holy Spirit lives, not in our pride and puffed up chests, but in the beauty of our gentleness. 

As Proverbs 15:4 says, “A gentle tongue is the tree of life.” As vessels of Jesus’ grace and salt and light, may all our actions plant seeds for a rich life of gentleness, so that in everything people would see Jesus.