Whenever I teach a yoga class, I preface almost every change in position with the words, “Now please gently…”
One time a student called out, “Why do you always say gently?”
Good question.
Gentleness is not something most Americans know much about. Our approach to life is marked by force, attitude, determination, control, tenacity, a ‘git-r-done’ mentality. While none of that is wrong in and of itself, they most often militate against any “gentleness consciousness.”
We speed down the road in a hurry to get to our next task. We jockey for the best parking space at the store. We set things down with a bang/clang. We consume our meal as if it is the “Passover” and we need to be ready to flee. Even the way we tread upon the earth lacks gentleness. Rice Paper Walk
When we are trying to persuade another of the rightness of our opinion, we raise our voice, intensify our language or tone–not gentle.
The Buddhist practice of “ahimsa” keeps gentleness in the forefront of the practitioner’s consciousness so that all they do is wrapped with gentleness.
What do Christians have in the way of a gentle practice? “A bruised reed he will not break, nor a smoldering flax will he not put out.” (Matt. 12:20) (When was the last time you heard a sermon from that verse?)
We often see the phrase referring to the “gentle Savior,” but we rarely find a gentle disciple. Yet Jesus said, “It is enough that the disciple be as his master.” (Matt. 10:25)
Gentleness should mark the life of one who considers himself spiritual. Gentleness should be the characteristic of all that we do in thought, word, and deed.
Why is gentleness in such short supply?
In what way could you practice being gentle today?
Practical Bible Teaching 
Gentleness in most likely in short supply because it appears that most christians still live mostly under law, and therefore through it, is their view of their god – cold and hard as the stone they were written on.
When I am not gentle (and there are many times when I am not), It is because of mistaken idenity and unbelief. I forget who I am in Christ and who He is in me. The Holy Spirit has been faithful to remind me and re-focus me.
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“cold and hard as the stone they were written on.”
Love that, John. Probably the unbelief lies at the root of much of our problems.
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