Gentleness, Part 1

25 March 19920 Comments

The lecture focuses on meekness as a central Christian virtue, explained by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III with depth and clarity, based on the Holy Bible and the teachings of the Fathers. He clarifies the true meaning of meekness, how Christ Himself lived it, and how every believer should follow it in daily life.

📌 First: Meekness in the Holy Bible

Meekness is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5.
It is also a Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Christ Himself said: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”
Meekness accompanied the lives of the saints and the teachings of the apostles such as Peter, James, and Paul.

📌 Second: Characteristics of the meek person

Kind, peaceful, gentle, calm, not hurting anyone nor wounding anyone’s feelings.
Does not interfere with others’ secrets nor examine their features or actions.
Does not get angry easily, does not raise his voice, does not criticize, and does not avenge himself.
Cheerful, with comforting facial expressions, calm looks, and a soft voice.
Simple, without deceit, craftiness, tricks, or manipulation.

📌 Third: How the meek deals with others

Encourages the weak, supports the faint-hearted, and is patient with everyone.
Overlooks mistakes without enlarging them, and covers others rather than exposing them.
Even when rebuking, he rebukes with gentleness and softness, never with violence or harshness.
Does not carry a spirit of judgment, nor stands as a “judge” over others.

📌 Fourth: Christ as the perfect example of meekness

He dealt with the adulterous woman with kindness and covering, and with Nicodemus with gentleness and mercy,
and with Peter after his denial with tenderness that did not wound him.
He did not raise His voice, nor quarrel, nor break a bruised reed.
His meekness was a spiritual strength, not weakness.

📌 Fifth: Meekness and spiritual life

Some people after repentance confuse seriousness with grimness,
while meekness carries peace, a smile, and simplicity.
Meekness is not weakness but an inner strength that remains firm regardless of circumstances.
Without meekness, one loses love and humility, and his dealings with others become corrupted.

📌 Spiritual conclusion

Meekness is not merely an outward behavior but an inner life filled with peace, gentleness, and tenderness.
It is a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and a path to inheriting the Kingdom of God.
It attracts others to Christ through quiet strength that changes hearts without violence and builds without destroying.

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