Gentleness is often misunderstood. Translations may portray the idea as meekness, which adds to the confusion. The concept is generally seen as weakness.

However, this word carries the power of uniqueness in leadership.

Jesus said “come to Me and I will give you rest, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

Christians are instructed to develop the quality of gentleness. Paul describes gentleness as part of the fruit of the Spirit and against such there is no law.

What is it about gentleness making it key to leadership?

The word carries an element of controlled courage. There was nothing weak about our Lord, nor should Christians be characterized as weak.

Jesus was gentle in standing before an angry mob making false accusations and He remained silent. He was gentle when condemned unjustly and made no defense. He was gentle when spit upon, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross without retaliation. And He did so alone.

Leadership often means being alone. The inappropriate attitudes driving the actions of opposition from within and without challenge the core of our leadership. The unique quality we need to develop and maintain is gentleness.