Article November 9, 1899 Issue

The Gentleness of Jesus

The Young Man

It was gentleness, not weakness. It was that calm sweetness of disposition and manner which illustrates the kindly self-control of a strong, masterful spirit, not the shrinking, timid uncertainty of temper and behavior which resembles gentleness because it lacks something of the power of self-assertion. It was entirely consistent with sturdiness of conviction, positiveness of speech, and boldness of action. It was exhibited not only toward our Lord's friends, but also toward his opponents. It was specially noticeable in his treatment of all who came to him in fear or doubt or sorrow.

Let those who sometimes suppose gentleness to be a tame, insipid virtue, make careful study of it as seen in the character of Jesus. They will learn to admire it. They will be impelled to cultivate it. They will perceive it to be a fruitful source of true and mighty power. When we understand that one is gentle, as Jesus was, because he can afford to be; because, apart from the moral aspect of the matter, he realizes that he is strong enough in the highest sense to dispense with bluster, we feel that he has attained to a lofty and honorable level of character and life.

Then, when the time comes for righteous indignation of soul—as come it does now and then—and for vigorous, incisive speech in support of the right or condemnation of the wrong, then the very contrast between one's customary gentleness and his temporary sternness adds immensely to the effect of the latter. If such a gentle spirit can be wrought up to such a pitch we say, "how grave the cause must be!" We never have known men or women more intense in their opinion, or more unfaltering and potential in their conduct and influence than some of those who most closely have resembled Christ in gentleness of disposition and manner.

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The Lectures
November 9, 1899
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