Be completely humble and gentle.
—Ephesians 4:2
Cultivating gentleness is hard work—it isn’t a highly regarded virtue in our self-assertive age.
The Greek word means “gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness” (Arndt-Gingrich).
It’s an attitude that diminishes the drive for preeminence: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil 2:3–4).
Every person you encounter has issues that concern them and with which they are preoccupied; they have their own agenda and are living out their own drama in real-time. Be aware of how little you know about the struggles of others. A brave face may mask a troubled heart. Be gentle.
“I am gentle and humble,” Jesus said (Mt 11:29). Follow the leader.
Better to be gentle than clever.