Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
Gentleness is a powerful tool to punch the face of the demons stirring dissension, discord and disunity. A snappy retaliation to a sharp comment will explode into an argument but a gentle answer will pour water on the fire of fury. The fruit of gentleness is very subtle yet destroys the plot of the enemy to cause conflict and contention. Gentleness is the dynamite that blasts demonic ploy.
King Saul was envious of the shepherd boy David who became popular and powerful in Israel. David continued to grow more powerful because the LORD God of Armies was with him (2 Samuel 5:10). Jealousy turned Saul into a bloodthirsty beast and hunted for the life of David. However, when David had an opportunity to hurt Saul, he refused to harm his master and King. David addressed him as Father and said, ‘See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. (1 Samuel 24:11).
A gentle response to the venomous attack made the murderous monster Saul repent and regret for his atrocity (for a short while). When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly (1 Samuel 24:16-17). David was the greatest warrior who knew no defeat, yet he did not respond to brutality brashly. He won over malice with meekness.
David was anointed as king in due time. Gentleness wins over wrath, animosity and bitterness.
Gentle response gives a power-punch on the enemy’s face:
1. Mull: Mulling over a past hurt or insult will poison the mind and heart. Chewing over an offence will erode gentleness and make us rash and brash. People who are snappy, rude and boorish are mulling over abuse or mistreatment and are allowing the ‘demon of offence’ to pierce them. Offence pricks and pokes but gentleness punches the demons on their face.
2. Manners: Gentleness is felt more than heard. The way we carry ourselves and treat people will either emanate gentleness or brashness. Refuse to retaliate to rudeness with frenzy. Gentleness drives out the spirit of rivalry.
3. Mouth: Bridle your tongue with gentleness. “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”. Drink a glass of water and swallow rudeness. ‘Gentleness’ is the mouthwash that we must use several times a day to respond with kindness.
Use the whip of gentleness and drive out the spirit of strife.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Prayer: Compassionate Jesus, teach me to use the tool of gentleness to drive offense away. Help me to bridle my tongue and sanitize my mind and mouth with the spirit of gentleness. Amen.
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