As a fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. Gentleness is an attribute of God (2 Sam. 22:36), a characteristic of Christ (Matt. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1, a mark of spiritual maturity (Gal. 6:1), a fruit of biblical wisdom, in contrast to worldly wisdom (James 3:17), and a necessity for church leaders (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:24-26).
Defining Gentleness
Gentleness is the Christlike quality of meekness, which flows from the strength of humility, especially when under affliction.
Therefore, the apostle Peter’s call to gentleness is a significant consideration.
…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15
The context of 1 Peter is suffering, to which none of us is immune. The Christians who first received this letter lived under the reign of the Emperor Nero who ruled Rome from A.D. 54 to 68. Nero was a ruthless ruler, caring only about his own rise to power. After a fire destroyed much of Rome in A.D. 64, Nero built a glorious palace in the center of the city.
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