Gentleness: The Indespensable Trait of True Christians

One of Christianity’s most brilliant theologians, Jonathan Edwards, taught us that gentleness—he called it “a lamblike, dovelike spirit”—is not an optional extra but instead is “the true and distinguishing disposition of the hearts of Christians.” In other words, gentleness is the most Christian way we can be. I wonder what we think of that. Certainly, none of us oppose gentleness. But do we esteem gentleness? Have we moved all our chips onto the gentleness square, as if our very future depends on how gentle we prove to be?

To the degree that we have renounced pushiness and embraced gentleness, we are making the real Jesus visible in our world today—which is success, no matter what else might happen to us. Jesus himself said, “I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). And here is why that’s amazing. We know a lot about Jesus, because he told us a lot about himself.

We know about his beliefs and convictions, his mission and miracles, his death and resurrection and second coming. But the one and only time he opened up his chest—so to speak, to reveal his heart, his core being, who he is and always will be way down deep—how did Jesus describe his deepest self? “Gentle and lowly.”

Therefore, gentleness isn’t a strategy he resorts to now and then. It isn’t one card he can lay down on the table. Gentleness is just who he is at the most profound level of his being. Here, then, is what we would never believe if Jesus hadn’t told us. We have parachuted into a universe where gentleness is the ultimate reality—now and forever. No wonder that the true followers of Jesus stand out for their gentleness.