A word can hold so much power.

Even one word in the right context, in the right situation, conveying the right meaning can turn a ship in the night. One fitting word, finding its season, can resolve a conflict, can mend a dispute, can settle a broken heart.

There are words that provoke, as well. Fighting words can separate best friends. Words spoken in anger can contagiously provoke others to show anger. A word that indicates immediate danger can drive people to flee.

It’s so important to be intentional with our words. And it’s so hard sometimes to remember that. We all get strained by the pressures of life, and in that moment when the pressures are high, we can fall prey to the idea that our need to relieve pressure is more important than anything else, including the way other people may react or respond.

Gentleness is a powerful word, one that our present world finds in short supply. A softness of action or touch. A lightness of spirit. The opposite of harshness. A person in a position of authority or power would be well-served to remember their strength is multiplied when they apply gentleness to their effort. It’s very easy to confuse being gentile with being weak. We should always think, do, and say what’s right. When something is wrong and needs to be corrected, we should not shrink from the task.

Just be gentle in the doing.

The spirit of our times so often prompts us to trample or ignore the principles that at a glance seem less assertive or helpful in helping us to achieve our goals. Aggressiveness tends to dominate over helpfulness. Brashness can snuff out thoughtfulness. To be quick to speak is often considered a strong trait, when it is often wiser — and more difficult — to be an active listener.

The troubles of life can make us restless and cranky. But we should never excuse these patterns of behavior in ourselves. Harshness can wither the hearts of people that we love and spread misery all around us. We have not fulfilled our duty to others until we have learned to consistently run our race in a spirit of gentleness.

• Gentleness is refreshing, like the waters of a stream, or wine flowing over the teeth.
• Showing patience and kindness to children are marks of a gentle person.
• Humility toward God will make us gentle to others.
• Gentleness is the power to be kind and silent in the face of injustice or wrongdoing.
• Gentleness provokes a willingness to yield.
• Gentle counsel is well-received.
• Gentle words wield great power.
• Spiritual recovery is always gentle, never mean or harsh.

The grace that is paid from a spirit of gentleness is like a sweet refrain on a piano, or a cool breeze on a summer day. It is a forgotten power that is easily reclaimed, if we will have the mind and heart to equip it daily. How great it would be for us to carry more gentleness in our hearts — not just for the people that love us, but for everyone.