Gentleness

Which is when a man is gentle and tractable in his conversation and in his whole life. For such as will be true followers of the Gospel, must not be sharp and bitter, but gentle, mild, courteous and fair spoken: which should encourage others to delight in their company: which can wink at other men's faults, or at least expound them to the best: which will be well contented to yield and give place to others, contented to bear with those which are contrary and intractable, as the very heathen said: You must know the manners of your friend, but you must not hate them. Such a one was our Savior Christ, as everywhere is to be seen in the Gospel. It is written of Peter that he wept so often as he remembered the sweet mildness of Christ which he used in his daily conversation. It is an excellent virtue and most necessary in every kind of life.

Gentleness is when a person is kind and agreeable in his conduct and his entire way of life. Those who would be true followers of the Gospel must not be sharp and harsh — they must be gentle, mild, courteous, and pleasant in speech, drawing others to enjoy their company. They must be able to overlook other people's faults, or at least interpret them charitably. They must be willing to yield and give way to others, content to bear with those who are difficult and stubborn — as even the pagans said: 'You should know the faults of your friend, but you should not hate him for them.' Such was our Savior Christ, as the Gospel everywhere shows. It is written of Peter that he wept whenever he remembered the sweet gentleness Christ showed in His daily conduct. It is an outstanding virtue, and it is necessary in every kind of life.