πραΰτης (G 4240) praǘtēs; gen. praǘtētos, fem. noun from praǘs (G 4239), meek. Meekness, but not in a man's outward behavior only, nor in his relations to his fellow man or his mere natural disposition. Rather, it is an inwrought grace of the soul, and the expressions of it are primarily toward God (Jas 1:21; Jas 3:13; 1Pe 3:15; Sept.: Psa 45:4). It is that attitude of spirit we accept God's dealings with us as good and do not dispute or resist. Praǘtēs, according to Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason (orgilótēs [n.f.]), and not getting angry at all (aorgēsía [n.f.]). Therefore, praǘtēs is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason. Praǘtēs is not readily expressed in Eng. (since the term "meekness" suggests weakness), but it is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character.[1]
"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." (Colossians 3:12-13, NASB95)
Gentleness is the guiding thought behind our dealings with fellow Christians. It comes from our understanding of God’s attitude toward us as his creatures. It is the concept that Christ died for this person so how then should I deal with them. It requires an understanding of your place in Christ and an understanding of the other persons standing with Christ. This applies especially to our dealings with the unbeliever who is caught up in all sorts of evil and our dealing with the believer who is also caught up in those things.
[1] Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament
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