“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29 (BSB)
“To slander no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show true humility to all men.” — Titus 3:2 (BSB)
“A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently instruct those who oppose him, in the hope that God will grant them repentance…” — 2 Timothy 2:24–25 (BSB)
Gentleness flows from humility and trust in the Lord. When I believe that God is sovereign and faithful, I do not need to lash out, retaliate, or defend myself in pride. Instead, I can respond with a quiet spirit that seeks peace and builds up others. Gentleness guards relationships, heals division, and honors Christ.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Gentleness is the posture of grace. It neither attacks nor retreats but holds firm in truth with tenderness and care.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “In a culture of outrage and noise, gentleness is a rare and radiant virtue. It disarms anger, opens hearts, and reveals the mercy of Christ.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer lifts up gentleness in the pastoral and penitential prayers of the Church, including the invitation to confession: “Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.” It reminds believers that our Lord’s gentleness leads us to repentance and peace.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “The truly gentle Christian is not one who never speaks truth, but one who speaks it with tears. Gentleness is power ruled by love.” (Holiness, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Gentleness shows Christ to the world. It doesn’t shout, but it speaks clearly. It doesn’t crush, but it carries. It is the strength of the Lamb.”
Gentleness glorifies Christ because it reflects His mercy, builds peace in the Church, and demonstrates the Gospel to a world hardened by pride and anger.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Be fierce against sin, but gentle with the sinner. Let your words be medicine, not poison.” — Homily on Galatians, 7
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Gentleness is the guardian of love and the companion of peace. It is the stillness of the soul that rests in God.” — Homily on the Psalms
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “The one who is truly strong is gentle—he does not strike, but teaches; he does not scorn, but restores.” — Pastoral Rule, III.21
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
