“An overseer must be . . . gentle . . .” (1 Tim. 3:3 NASB).
Gentleness. Paul employs a Greek word that cannot really be translated consistently with any one English term. We might say it is the sum total which is composed of these parts: patience, graciousness, considerateness, kindness, and forgiveness (renderings of the term by various translations).
Paul helps us grasp this word in several ways.
First, in the same verse he contrasts gentleness with pugnaciousness (“not pugnacious”) and he then links it with being peaceable. Better yet, Paul exemplifies gentleness in his own life and ministry: “. . . although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children . . . As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children” (1 Thess. 2:7, 11, NET). Gentleness is characteristic of our God (Luke 1:78; Titus 3:4), and particularly the Lord Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30; 12:20; Titus 3:4-5). This is a quality required of all saints (Gal. 5:23; Eph. 4:31-32; Phil. 4:5).
Why is this a quality particularly required of elders? Elders have a position of authority in the church, authority over the lives of others. If they are holding fast to the Scriptures, they should also be “right” in their teaching, judgment, and correction. But this authority and “rightness” can easily lead to a harshness and severity. Severity tends to wither tender saints and inhibit the participation required of all saints.
Gentleness conveys approachability, and elders definitely need to portray this quality to those they shepherd. It may well be that it was the gentleness of our Lord Jesus that encouraged sinners to draw near for help.
May God grant us His tenderness and gentleness in our care for others.
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