Gentleness and meekness are synonyms. In your Bible, you may see either word in Galatians 5 highlighting the similarities in these words in the original language.
Gentleness or meekness means “power under control” according to Warren Wiersbe.
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” —Ephesians 5:22-33
We are cleansed by the washing of water with the word, according to the Apostle Paul. Jesus says in John 15:3 that his disciples were clean because of the word spoken to you.
The Bible teaches us that our words are one of the most powerful tools we have, but it’s incredibly hard to keep that power under control.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” —Proverbs 18:21
References:
Proverbs 15:4
2 Timothy 2:24-25
1 Peter 3:15-16
Three Essential Elements of Gentleness In Our Speech
Communication is one of the secrets to a good marriage, so how you speak to your spouse matters!
Your words should be
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” —Ephesians 4:29
Your words should be
“God will make us broken bread and poured out wine to feed and nourish others.” —Oswald Chambers
Your words should be
Try a 30 day challenge, speak gently to your spouse and if you don’t, they can call you on it. Try a 10 day encouragement challenge. Sit down and intentionally encourage your spouse for 10 days straight.
Prayer & Journaling Points
- Lord, in what ways have I used my words to hurt someone (my spouse, friends, family) and how should I repent of that?
- Father, what new ways can I use my words for edifying, nourishing and cherishing my spouse?