Gentleness on Display In Missional Enterprise

In our ongoing series about the Fruit of Spirit, our article last week explored the concept of gentleness as a key trait for missional business leaders, drawing on how Scripture emphasizes gentleness as a defining quality of Christ-like leadership. But what does gentleness look like in real-life scenarios? How can we consistently demonstrate this characteristic when faced with business challenges, conflicts, or unexpected frustrations?

Guiding Others

Gentleness is critically important for leaders as they guide others in the workplace. R. Paul Stevens and Alvin Ung, in Taking Your Soul to Work, describe a gentle leader as one who “avoids any coercion, intimidation, or threats . . . This is exactly the kind of person you’d like to have as your boss or leader.” Gentleness in leadership does not mean that the leader avoids potentially difficult interactions when guiding employees. On the contrary, it is in these moments that gentleness is most needed. Writing for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Pastor John Pletcher states that “Contrary to popular opinion, being gentle does not mean wimpy, apathetic, milk-toast, or just saying nothing when facing difficult people.” What is called for, he claims, is a “blend of strength, confidence, and kindness,” which ultimately leads to “greater fruitfulness and flourishing” in the organizations we lead.

Communication

This quality of gentleness is particularly evident in the words we choose and how we communicate. Author Jerry Bridges underscores that gentleness means avoiding “blunt and abrupt speech,” seeking instead to show “sensitivity and respect.”1 Gentle leaders are mindful of their impact on others and refrain from saying what they think and “letting the chips fall where they may.” Instead, in their conversations, they are “sensitive to the reactions and feelings of others.” Regarding hard conversations, Bridges points out that when “gentle Christians find it necessary to wound with words, they also seek to bind up those wounds with words of consolation and encouragement.”

Facing Adversity

When adversity strikes, the gentle approach becomes all the more essential. Mark E. Caner, in Spiritual Meekness: An Imperative Virtue for Christian Leaders, notes that leaders often fall into the habit of quick, top-down decision-making under pressure. While efficient, this can damage “trust, which is vital for your leadership.” Caner argues that in challenging situations, gentleness means looking for ways to involve others in finding solutions, rather than simply imposing changes on them. By collaborating when possible in moments of crisis, leaders preserve trust and cultivate an environment where associates are valued and respected, even in the face of difficult decisions.

An Inward Look

Since gentleness is so foundational, periodic self-reflection on how we’re embodying it in our roles is vital. Here are some diagnostic questions to help assess our “gentleness quotient”:

• Does your life reflect gentleness in your words, responses, and actions?
• How do you view gentleness as a quality? Is it something you desire to cultivate?
• When someone wrongs you, is your response gentle and constructive?
• Would those closest to you—your family, friends, or colleagues—describe you as a gentle person?
• Does your social media presence reflect gentleness, or are you quick to assert strong opinions?
• Are you more inclined to listen or to speak first in conversations? How quickly do you jump in with your own viewpoint?

In leading a missional business, gentleness should permeate how we interact with others, especially under pressure. Not only does it honor the people we serve, but it reflects the character of Christ and his leadership. Taking time to consider these questions can help us grow in a quality that will strengthen both our relationships and our witness.

Verse(s) of the Week:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)

May God empower us this week to lead our enterprises in such a way that gentleness is evident to all.