If Christ describes himself as gentle,

are we not called upon to follow his lead? What does it mean to be gentle, to have gentleness as a part of one's character? From Deuteronomy through 1 Peter the Word of God describes the essentialness of gentleness and what it looks like in our lives. 

May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth. Deuteronomy 32:2

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!” Jeremiah 11:19

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:21

[ Paul Defends His Ministry ] I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— 2 Corinthians 10:1

gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Galatians 5:23

[ Bear One Another’s Burdens ] My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Galatians 6:1

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. 1 Timothy 3:3

 

 [ The Good Fight of Faith ] But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25

to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. Titus 3:2

[ Two Kinds of Wisdom ] Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. James 3:13

 

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. James 3:17

[ The Example of Christ’s Suffering ] Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh. 1 Peter 2:18

rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.1 Peter 3:16