A Gentle and Quiet Spirit - Part 2

Continued . . .

Not exciting controversy, disorder or trouble: A woman with a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God, will not be argumentative. She will not assert her own will or desires. She will respond to others with a gentle voice and a smile on her face. She will have a true humility, recognizing that Christ has commanded her to put others before herself. We are to be lowly in our own estimation. God has commanded us to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves,” Philippians 2:3 and to “Be devoted to one another [i.e. brothers and sisters in the Lord] in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10.

Mild: The definition of ‘mild’ fits so well with having a gentle and quiet spirit. One of the defining words is ‘tender’. When you think of this word in relation to ladies, what do you see? I see a gentleness, patience, love, calmness, femininity and grace. Websters 1828 Dictionary of the English Language includes in the definition words such as: gentle in temper or disposition; kind; compassionate; merciful; calm; tranquil; not stern; not frowning.

Contented: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be content. ‘Content’ is being joyful in whatever circumstances that the Lord has placed us in. No matter how lonely the life, no matter how little the physical possessions, no matter how diseased the body, we are called to be content. Paul stated this so well in Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Contentment is not something that just ‘happens’. We have to have purposeful intent to learn to be content. To learn to be thankful for wherever God has placed us in life, joyfully knowing that His hand will guide and lead us as we trust and rest in Him.

Having a gentle and quiet spirit encompasses so many of the other qualities that God has commanded women to have. If gentleness and quietness were ours and increasing, would not it be so much easier to respond with a submissive spirit? (1 Timothy 2:11-12; Titus 2:5). To eagerly be a helpmeet to our fathers or our husbands? (Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 11:9) To be modest in our dress, in our words and in our actions? (1 Timothy 2:9-10) The answer is most assuredly “Yes!”

What a beautiful picture all of this paints of godly womanhood, and this gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God. By exhibiting it, we bring joy and honor to our Lord, our Savior. What greater thing can we give Him, but ourselves walking in obedience to Him?

My dear sisters in Christ, may we together strive to have gentle and quiet spirits. I know that this is an area that I struggle with in my life. It is in fact one of my greatest areas of weakness, but my heart longs to grow into this godly woman. Sometimes it can be almost overwhelming to think of striving to attain this, but the Holy Spirit will help and aid us if we yield to Him. If we surrender our will, His will will become our own. And thus day by day, we can put off more of the flesh and clothe ourselves more with Christ. May we as ladies of God, earnestly desire and strive to become ones who are characterized by having a gentle and quiet spirit, all to the glory of God.


-Posted by Sarah