Tortoise
Would you apply the word "gentle" to
a goldfish? Or a hamster? Or a tortoise?
No! We reserve the word for things that have the potential, or the ability to hurt us. We might apply it to a lion
(but only in a story) and we would apply it to a horse (knowing that it could injure us badly). We would also use it
to compliment a strong man. Gentleness has nothing to do with weakness.
Courage
Perhaps you remember the children's hymn,
"Gentle Jesus, meek and mild..."? The expression, "gentle Jesus" does not appear in the Bible, but it is true to New
Testament descriptions of our Saviour. Paul speaks of "the gentleness of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:1). But Jesus
looked powerful enough, and spoke with sufficient authority, to chase the money changers out of the temple. However,
by contrast, Jesus "took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:16 NIV).
Ultimately, that most gentle of men had the courage and fortitude to selflessly face the cross.
Gentleness has a noble pedigree.
Restraint
If you're a man, and someone describes
you as 'gentle', be pleased about it. They are recognising your strength and admiring your wisdom, your care, and your
self control. Gentleness doesn't imply weakness but restraint. It shows itself when a person has strength, but chooses
to hold back the power or to use it to protect someone vulnerable. Sometimes, speaking of a powerfully-built man,
we hear people speak of a "gentle giant" - and that's a compliment.
Protect
The world needs men whose self-confidence
is sufficient that they don't need to assert themselves overly, or to prove their strength. We need men who will use their
abilities (whatever they are), to guide the young, and to protect the weak. We need men who have the moral backbone
to be strong - with gentleness.
Gentlemen please!