Spiritual Clothing

To put off, according to the former course of life, that old man, corrupted by deceitful desires; and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and be you clothed with that new man, who, according to God, has been formed in righteousness and holiness of the truth.—Ephesians 4:22–24, Diaglott

Tom Ruggirello

Clothing is the external covering of our bodies used to protect us, keep us warm, and to hide our nakedness. When the apostle Paul admonishes the Christian to "be clothed with the new man," he is suggesting a spiritual approach to covering ourselves. He contrasts the new man with the old man who is corrupted by deceitful desires. This implies that the new creature is kept uncorrupted by pure desires. Everything a Christian does should be driven by pure desires to serve and please God. This is the "root" out of which all goodness can grow.

Gentleness is part of the spiritual clothing we wear. Clothing comes in contact with others. Thus we could consider gentleness as that part of our spiritual clothing that comes in contact with others. Gentleness describes the manner in which a Christian deals with others. Vine’s dictionary compares meekness and gentleness this way: "[Meekness] describes a condition of mind and heart, whereas gentleness is appropriate rather to actions." Vine goes on to a fuller definition of gentleness: "[Gentleness is] fair, forbearing, not insisting on the letter of the law; it expresses that considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case — sweet reasonableness."

An Example of Gentleness

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 we have an example of how this beautiful quality was used by the apostle Paul in his relationship with the brethren. He writes: "But we were gentle in the midst of you; even as a nursing mother would cherish her own children. Thus yearning over you, we were content, not only to have imparted to you the glad tidings of God, but also our own lives, because you had become endeared to us." (Diaglott)

Paul uses the example of a nursing mother who cherishes her children to describe his gentleness with the brethren. The word translated "cherish" can also be translated "to foster with tender care." What more caring and sympathetic example could Paul have used than a nursing mother? He wasn’t just interested in presenting the gospel message to the church at Corinth, he was also vitally concerned for their ongoing growth. The source of such gentle dealing is a caring and concerned heart, like that of a parent.

Paul’s role as a spiritual parent is elaborated in verses 11 and 12: "As you know how we exhorted and comforted you, as a father each one of his own children, and warned you to walk worthily of that God who is inviting you into his own glorious kingdom." (Diaglott) Paul holds a special place in the church, not only for his inspired teaching of the gospel, but for his untiring care and compassion for the brethren. His tender, loving care was an example worthy of our scrutiny and emulation.

The Need for Gentleness Among Leaders

In 2 Timothy 2:24–26 the apostle again mentions the importance of gentleness when instructing others. He says: "A servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but be gentle toward all, fit to teach, patient under evil; in meekness correcting the opposers; perhaps God may give them a change of mind in order to a knowledge of the truth, and that they may be recovered from the snare of the enemy, who have been entrapped by him for his pleasure." (Diaglott)

We see here a contrast being made between strife and gentleness. Notice that Paul does not say that we should avoid all controversies. In the preceding verse (vs. 23) he said to reject all foolishness. This, of course, requires an analysis of controversy so that the correct position can be understood. Paul then suggests that any correction be done with meekness and gentleness.

Though the apostle’s instructions here are made to all servants of the Lord, they most apply to anyone in a leadership position. Because of the more prominent and influential position of elders, they are especially responsible for making sure that their correction of others is done with meekness and gentleness. "Standing for truth" is very important, but those who claim to stand for truth could cause more harm than good because of the way they do it. When correction comes from the heart and is motivated by love, it will pass the lips differently than when a contentious spirit is driving the words out. What a blessing there is in a soft answer, a gentle rebuke. It is designed for the uplifting and good of the hearer, not to ease the conscience of the corrector that he has taken his stand for truth. Gentleness is defined as "considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case, that deals with sweet reasonableness." If this is conveyed in words of correction, then the correction has a greater likelihood of being properly received.

Jesus’ Gentleness with Peter

After Jesus’ death the apostles had returned to their secular work. Without Jesus they had lost their direction and focus. The apostle Peter was especially struggling because of his denial of Jesus shortly before his death. Our Lord’s gentle handling of Peter was the key to recovering him from the guilt and discouragement that had ensnared him. If Jesus had bitterly denounced him for his cowardice, it is unlikely that Peter would ever have returned to the service of the church. By gently nurturing his love he soon became the courageous apostle that he had been before, and in the process taught a valuable lesson to all.

When elders are gentle in their presentation of truth, there is a calming effect on the brethren. When we individually interact with brethren who have done wrong, or do not understand a doctrine correctly, the example of Jesus and Paul should be in our minds. All individual Christians should remember that they have a personal responsibility in seeking the uplifting and blessing of those around them, especially those of the household of faith. It is important to uphold truth while at the same time contributing to the peace of Zion.

The Christian approach to helping others is to be correct in what one says, wise in the words one chooses, and gentle in the way one speaks.