Be therefore wise as serpents and gentles as doves (Matthew 10:16)
Gentleness
We attempt to cover up for many unrighteous actions and attitudes by assigning socially acceptable descriptions. We did not lie, we exaggerated. We did not steal, we re-aligned resources. We did not commit adultery, we just had feelings.
And after we display and act in anger, we smile contritely, and we say, “I have a temper.”
Perhaps the opposite of temper is Biblical gentleness.
We act abruptly, we act before we think or pray, we fill our minds with indignation, impatience, disappointment, and superiority. We later regret outbursts of temper, the emotional or even physical pain we cause, and yet excuse it as, ‘just my temper.’
Anger, temper, irritability, exasperation, and rage are not personality quirks. And God has given us the solution to them. He makes us gentle.
We react to His gift with embarrassment, pride, and arrogance. We elevate anger and temper above gentleness. And how has that been working out for us?
Instead, accept His gift… incline your mind and heart towards gentleness. He has already placed in you the ability to be gentle.
Gentleness is a gift.