Gentleness

Gentleness

Being gentle is the opposite of being harsh and mean. So, gentleness is being loving, tender, calm and humble with family, friends and pets!

How can parents encourage this fruit in their children?

• Training children to be gentle is not making them weaklings. In fact, when someone is gentle with us, he can even change our angry attitude. Psalm 15 says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” 
• Be a model of gentleness with the children, especially when correcting them.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, help me to use caring and loving words when I speak. Please show me how not to be proud but how to be humble instead. Amen.

Hero

Saint Clare of Assisi

Clare was born to a rich family. Her mother was religious and taught her about Jesus. After hearing St Francis speak about Jesus and the poor, Clare gave up everything and gave her life to Jesus. She lived in poverty together with other women who joined her. They lived a life of prayer, sacrifice and humility. Yet they were filled with joy and peace. Clare was a great example of gentleness and humility.

Living it!

• Use gentle and loving words when speaking
• Do not raise your voice, avoid name calling
• See that your pets have food and water, be gentle with them too

Read more about Saint Clare of Assisi.