David Beecher
March 19, 2021
Gentleness: “Are there those among you who are truly wise and understanding? Then they should show it by living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13
Before I started to write, I needed to check my memory. I had written down “kindness” as my Fruit of the Spirit. But when I checked, I found out that my fruit was really “gentleness.” It turns out that a lot of scholars translate χρηστότης (gentleness) as “kindness” in Paul’s list of the Fruits in Galatians 5. The same Greek word in 2 Corinthians 6:6 is translated “kindness.” More than one scholar uses the word “benignity” for gentleness. I had to look up that form of the word I knew, “benign.” Guess what? The definition of “benignity” is “kindness” or “tolerance.” In James 3:13 [above], many scholars translate gentleness as “humility.” So, what difference does it make? All I can say is, “I’m glad I’m not a translator or a New Testament professor!”
So what’s with the Greek lesson? For me, the answer is “all the above.” I think gentleness means kindness and tolerance and benignity and humility and more. And this affects how I read Matthew 11:28-30, when Jesus says: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” So when I come to Jesus and confirm him as my Lord, he accepts me without judging my past, no matter how wicked. He does not expect me to know all the law and memorize the Torah. No, he shows me kindness and tolerates all that I will need to learn and do. He accepts me as I am, relieves my guilt, and does not lay a heavy burden of expectations and judgment on my shoulders as a condition of being his child.
Is that what he (and Paul) expects of us? If we are to be gentle, can we get along with those who disagree with us? Can we show kindness even when we are treated badly? Can we accept others without requiring them to upgrade to our standards? Can the love of Jesus shine through us even when we really don’t like someone? Can we have a respectful conversation with both a President Trump admirer and a President Biden champion? Can we refrain from judging someone on the basis of whether they wear a mask or refuse to? Next time an acquaintance asks, “Are you saved?” can we reply, “Yes, I am, and I’m glad you are, too” without explaining the essential difference between our theologies of baptism, and why Lutherans are right? I guess I have to answer “yes” to all those questions if Paul and Jesus are to consider me gentle. It’s not easy, but that’s why we have to depend on God’s living, guiding Spirit within us to show us how. That’s why gentleness is a Fruit of the Spirit rather than an accomplishment of mine. Shall we ask the Spirit to help us become more gentle?
