Titus VIII
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. (Titus 3:1-3 ESV)
to be gentle
Gentle is an unpopular word in the world AND in some Christian circles. It seems to imply weakness, softness, femininity in males, and EXTRA femininity in females.
But that is not what Paul reminds us to be.
A gentle man (or lady) is not weak, but one who uses authority, ability, position, and opportunity to do good… to help the helpless, rather than win a contest… to put others first, even when (especially when) you could rule by might… to be filled with compassion, passionately… to be active, with every muscle and bit of will that you possess, to bring joy to everyone in your life.
Gentle is humble, because others come first in your gentle mind.
Gentle is risky, because you risk losing in the world’s contest of life.
Gentle is difficult, because we usually aren’t built that way.
Gentle is fun… because it is so very rare.