Galatians 5:22,23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
We are on the second to last fruit of the Spirit, gentleness. This didn't register with me as a trait attributed to God for a long time. Many think of God as holy, just, powerful and so on. Those are true, but so is gentleness. Those traits need to be understood in particular contexts.
Isaiah 40:11, "Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes." We are his lambs. If we don't see God as this kind of shepherd, then we don't have a complete picture of Him.
We all have different primary relationships when growing up. If we had critical, demanding ones, then we will have a difficult time with gentleness. A critical parent has a masochistic pleasure of correcting children. The child expects to be corrected, almost expecting to fail. It's the complete opposite of a patient, supportive parent.
The sad result is that this child has this criticism passed on to him. Scrooge is a good example. His father was harsh. Young Scrooge seemed so vulnerable as he yearned for acceptance. But the transference of harshness was never interrupted, so Scrooge became his father in time. Numbers 14:18 speaks of the sins of the father being passed on. This transference is an example of it.
This is contrasted with a gentle, supportive parent. In his heart this parent yearns for the child to grow and feel loved. There is an understanding that growth takes time and the gentle parent is willing to give it.
Isaiah 42:3a gives another glimpse of the gentleness of God. It says, "A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish..." This is difficult to picture the almighty, creator of the universe being this gentle. Yet it's true.
One of the names of the Holy Spirit is the Comforter. He also is the almighty God, yet this is one of His primary names. John 14:26 says, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." He is our personal tutor which is there for us on a daily basis, assisting us all day long. Day after day, trial after trial we sense His presence, guidance and help. In time fear dissipates and we feel His patience and gentleness with us.
Matthew 11:29 says, "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." As the years go by we learn of Him. We learn of those we spend time with. God wants to walk with us daily. In time we learn of His gentle ways. The children of critical parents can then find rest for their souls.
He treats us as clovers that unfold in the warmth of the sun. What an amazing God who takes the time to heal all kinds of broken people. Lord, thank You for Your gentle nature that You seek to pass on to us.