Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "gently" refers to an approach characterized by mildness, tenderness, and care. In the biblical context, it often describes the manner in which believers are encouraged to interact with others, reflecting the character of Christ. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23) and is integral to Christian conduct.
Biblical References:1.
Galatians 6:1 : "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."
· This verse emphasizes the importance of restoring a fellow believer who has sinned with a gentle spirit. The approach should be one of humility and care, avoiding harshness or judgment.
2.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 : "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth."
· Here, gentleness is highlighted as a key quality for those serving the Lord. It is essential in correcting others, aiming for their repentance and understanding of the truth.
3.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 : "On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children."
· The apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a nursing mother to describe the gentle care and affection he and his companions showed to the Thessalonian believers, illustrating the nurturing aspect of gentleness.
4.
Proverbs 15:1 : "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
· This proverb underscores the power of gentle speech in diffusing anger and conflict, contrasting it with the destructive potential of harsh words.
Theological Significance:Gentleness is a reflection of God's own character and His dealings with humanity. In the Old Testament, God is often described as gentle and compassionate, as seen in His dealings with Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies gentleness in His interactions with sinners, the marginalized, and even His disciples. His invitation in
Matthew 11:29 to "take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" calls believers to emulate His gentle nature.
Practical Application:Believers are called to embody gentleness in their daily lives, whether in personal relationships, church settings, or broader societal interactions. This involves a conscious effort to respond with patience, understanding, and kindness, even in challenging situations. Gentleness should permeate all aspects of a Christian's life, influencing how they speak, act, and think.
Related Concepts:·
Humility: Gentleness is closely linked with humility, as both require a selfless attitude and a willingness to put others first.
·
Patience: Often accompanying gentleness, patience allows believers to endure difficult circumstances and people without resorting to anger or frustration.
·
Love: As a fundamental Christian virtue, love is expressed through gentle actions and words, seeking the well-being of others.
Conclusion:While not explicitly stated, the concept of gentleness is woven throughout Scripture as an essential characteristic of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is a testament to the believer's commitment to living out the teachings of Christ in a world often marked by harshness and conflict.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a gentle manner.
Greek
3356. metriopatheo -- to hold one's emotions in restraint... emotions in restraint. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metriopatheo Phonetic
Spelling: (met-ree-op-ath-eh'-o) Short Definition: I bear
gently with, have
...5285. hupopneo -- to blow underneath
... to blow underneath. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupopneo Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-op-neh'-o) Short Definition: I blowgently Definition: I blowgently...
3560. noutheteo -- to admonish, exhort
... admonish, warn. From the same as nouthesia; to put in mind, ie (by implication)
to caution or reprovegently -- admonish, warn. see GREEK nouthesia....
3960. patasso -- to beat (of the heart), to strike
... smite, strike. Probably prolongation from paio; to knock (gently or with a weapon
or fatally) -- smite, strike. Compare tupto. see GREEK paio. see GREEK tupto....
4363. prospipto -- to fall upon, fall prostrate before
... From pros and pipto; to fall towards, ie (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication
or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm) -- beat upon, fall (down...
5594. psucho -- to breathe, blow, to make cool
... A primary verb; to breathe (voluntarily butgently, thus differing on the one hand
from pneo, which denotes properly a forcible respiration; and on the other...
4084. piazo -- to lay hold of, to take
... Probably another form of biazo; to squeeze, ie Seize (gently by the hand (press),
or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture)) -- apprehend, catch, lay...
Strong's Hebrew
1680. dabab -- to movegently, glide, glide over... 1679, 1680. dabab. 1681 . to move
gently, glide, glide over. Transliteration:
dabab Phonetic Spelling: (daw-bab') Short Definition:
gently. Word Origin a prim
...328. at -- gentleness
... 327, 328. at. 329 . gentleness. Transliteration: at Phonetic Spelling:
(at) Short Definition:gently.... charmer,gently, secret, softly....
5095. nahal -- to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a...
... carry, feed, guide, leadgently, on. A primitive root; properly, to run
with a sparkle, ie Flow; hence (transitively), to conduct...
1718. dadah -- perhaps to move slowly
... 1), wander (1). go softly, with. A doubtful root; to walkgently -- go (softly,
with). 1717, 1718. dadah. 1719 . Strong's Numbers.
4985. mathoq -- to become or be sweet or pleasant
... root Definition to become or be sweet or pleasant NASB Word Usage became sweet
(1), feeds sweetly (1),gently cover (1), had sweet (1), sweet (2)....
Library
CM Anonymous. SpeakGently.
... 285. CM Anonymous. SpeakGently. 1 Speakgently,"it is better far To rule by love
than fear; Speakgently,"let no harsh word mar The good we may do here....
The Day isGently Sinking to a Close
... I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: Evening 13. The day isgently sinking to
a close.... Christopher Wordsworth, 1863. The day isgently sinking to a close,....
Book iv ThusGently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien...
... BOOK IV THUSgently sang the Lady Philosophy with dignified mien and grave
countenance? THUSgently sang the Lady Philosophy with...
Letter v. To an Unknown Person, Entreating Him to DealGently with...
... Letter V. To an Unknown Person, Entreating Him to DealGently with His Brother.?
To an Unknown Person, Entreating Him to DealGently with His Brother....
Why the Manich??ans Should be MoreGently Dealt With.
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 2. "Why
the Manich??ans Should Be MoreGently Dealt with. 2. Let...
Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... The word is closely allied to the word touch, and a person who has good tact is
really one who can touch peoplegently, carefully, kindly, in all the relations...
"As the Stars. "
... Or, I might slipgently up to the man, and get my arm in his, and begin to turn,
verygently at first, and turn, and turn, and then turn some more, and then...
CM Miss Fletcher. Kindly Judgment.
... VI. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 284. CM Miss Fletcher. Kindly Judgment. 1 Think
gently of the erring one!... 2 Speakgently to the erring ones!...
LM Mrs. Barbauld. His End is Peace.
... 1 How blest the righteous when he dies! When sinks a trusting soul to rest, How
mildly beam the closing eyes, Howgently heaves the expiring breast!...
Compassion for the Sinning.
... 1 Thinkgently of the erring!... 2 Speakgently to him, brother; Thou yet mayst lead
him back, With holy words, and tones of love, From misery's thorny track....
Thesaurus
Gently (19 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a gentle manner. Multi-Version Concordance
Gently (19 Occurrences). Romans 2:4 Or is it that
...Ease (46 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To release from pressure or restraint; to movegently; to lift slightly;
to shift a little; as, to ease a bar or nut in machinery....
Mumble (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (v.) To chew somethinggently with closed lips. 3. (vt) To utter with a low,
inarticulate voice. 4. (vt) To chew or bitegently, as one without teeth....
Breathe (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To take breath; to rest from action. 3. (vi) To pass like breath;
noiselessly orgently; to exhale; to emanate; to blowgently....
Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... 19. (vt) To ribgently in one direction; especially, to pass the handgently over
by way of expressing kindness or tenderness; to caress; to soothe. 20....
Guiding (69 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:25Gently guiding those who go against the teaching; if by chance
God may give them a change of heart and true knowledge, (BBE)....
Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... Ruth 3:7 And Boaz eateth and drinketh, and his heart is glad; and he goeth in to
lie down at the end of the heap; and she cometh ingently, and uncovereth his...
Kisses (12 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 7:9 And the roof of your mouth like good wine flowing down smoothly
for my loved one, movinggently over my lips and my teeth. (See RSV)....
Kiss (39 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To salute with the lips, as a mark of affection, reverence, submission,
forgiveness, etc. 2. (vt) To touchgently, as if fondly or caressingly....
Nursed (13 Occurrences)
... See, I will make her peace like a river, and the glory of the nations like an
overflowing stream, and she will take her children in her arms,gently caring for...
Resources
When should a Christian try to correct another Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Philemon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow to repent'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgGently: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
