“Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” — Galatians 6:1 (BSB)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (BSB)
“Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.” — Philippians 4:5 (BSB)
This virtue is formed through patient listening, calm responses, and compassionate correction. I grow in gentleness when I pray for a tender heart, resist the urge to control others, and learn to speak truth with mercy. In conflict, gentleness disarms. In ministry, it restores. In suffering, it endures quietly. In every place, it reflects the meekness of Christ.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “To grow in gentleness is to let Christ take the lead. We learn His tone, His patience, His restraint. Gentleness is love at peace.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Gentleness is formed in silence and prayer. It matures when we yield our will, take the lowest place, and trust God to defend us.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer encourages gentleness through its prayers of confession, absolution, and blessing. The peace of the Lord, shared before Holy Communion, teaches the Church to live in forbearance, grace, and unity. The Litany repeatedly asks the Lord to “give us true repentance” and “to endue us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “The strongest Christians are often the gentlest. Their strength lies not in loud words, but in quiet faith, tender conscience, and a humble walk with God.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Gentleness grows when Christ is formed in us. The louder the world becomes, the more power there is in a quiet, Christlike spirit.”
Growing in gentleness glorifies Christ because it displays His humility, disarms anger, brings peace to the Church, and offers healing to the brokenhearted.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “Gentleness grows when we speak less and listen more. It is the peace of Christ expressed through mercy, not dominance.” — Pastoral Rule, III.21
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “As a gentle breeze refreshes more than a strong wind, so a gentle spirit builds more than a harsh one. Correct with care, not cruelty.” — Homily on Galatians, 7
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Let your gentleness be trained in prayer. Speak little, love much, and always be willing to bear the weakness of another.” — Long Rules, 6
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.
