His Holiness Pope Shenouda III teaches about the virtue gentleness (meekness) and highlights its importance in the Christian life as a fruit of the Spirit, imitating the Lord Christ and the Bible verses. He defines gentleness as quietness of heart, long-suffering, kindness of dealing, and a cheerful disposition without arrogance, with the spiritual dimension that makes a person tolerant of others, not vindictive and not hasty in judgment.

Practical traits of gentleness

• The gentle person has a calm voice, does not raise his voice, does not anger quickly, does not take revenge, and corrects error calmly and with a convincing spirit.

• The gentle person’s features are cheerful, with lowered gaze, does not analyze or condemn people inwardly, deals with honesty and simplicity without deceit.

• Gentleness does not mean passivity or weakness; rather it is a general character of life with times for courage and firmness when necessary.

The Coptic Orthodox spiritual and educational dimension

• Gentleness is a virtue mentioned in the Gospel (the Beatitudes) and in the apostles’ letters, and it is a characteristic of Christ that we are asked to learn.

• What is required is balance: love and gentleness in daily life, with boldness in defending truth in a firm but non-violent manner.

• Examples from Scripture: figures like Moses, David, Elijah, Paul, and John the Baptist show that gentleness accompanies the ability for firmness when needed.

Practical and spiritual applications

• Correcting others must be with kindness and gentleness, not by wounding feelings or by verbal violence.

• It is the duty of the shepherd and leader to be gentle but able to enforce discipline when the spiritual interest requires that.

• Spiritual training can change a fiery temperament into a gentle good one (examples of spiritual fathers and saints).

General conclusion

The general message is that gentleness is a fundamental Christian virtue that manifests Christ’s love in daily behavior, and it requires balance with courage and firmness to protect truth and the church without becoming laxity or negligence.

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