Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (1 Timothy 3:1-3 NIV)
An overseer, as translated here, is also translated as an elder or a bishop. Each of these are valid translations of the same Greek word, episkopos. The character qualities listed here, then, are for leaders in God's Church. These leaders are to be "not violent but gentle" and "not quarrelsome." Why would such character qualities be important for a leader in the Church? Perhaps they are important because they were important to Christ.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV)
In the end, Christ followers reflect Christ. Sometimes were are a good, clear reflection. Other times, our reflection is bad, fuzzy, or even completely blocked. To the extent that we reflect Christ, though, we will have gentleness in our lives. It draws people. It builds trust. It reflects Christ. And when we reflect Christ in this way, people will see it. Even our detractors will recognize they don't have a leg to stand on.
So, how about you? Is your gentleness evident? Is your gentleness on par with God's leaders? Is your gentleness similar to that of Christ? How well does your gentleness reflect Christ?
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