Courageous Gentleness: Following Christ’s Example of Restrained Strength

by Mary Ann Froehlich

Am I gentle? It’s not a question we typically stop to ask ourselves. But God cares about the answer. As author Mary Ann Froehlich points out, gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is supposed to mark the words and actions of every Christian. And as Scripture clearly indicates, it is not an absence of strength or determination. Courageous Gentleness steers us to evaluate our lives through the lens of the Bible and consider practical ways that gentleness speaks to a watching world. Cultivating it in our lives can transform relationships with family members, neighbors, coworkers, and even enemies.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Discipleship

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy to read this book and to learn new perspective on what Godly, biblical courage and strength truly is. The author went into depth in a very enlightening way that made sense to me; I especially appreciated the research and scriptures to back up what she wrote.

As a western nation we often believe that strength and courage is powerful, outspoken and overbearing; speaking one's mind and standing up for one's rights. There are many illustrations mainly from the Bible and also from life to refute this viewpoint. I was constantly highlighting and inserting bookmarks in my Kindle. Reading this book was a joy and my interest level never waned. I would definitely recommend it to be a book that you wouldn't want to pass up.

*I received a free ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Beardslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really convicting and insightful! It shows how Christ repeatedly tells us in Scripture to be gentle and points to Christ as our Example of true “Courageous Gentleness.”
It also emphasizes the idea that gentleness is not for wimps. It takes self control, restraint, and, of course, God’s help, to be able to display Christ’s gentle love.

Definitely recommend!

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the slightly unexpected nature of the title for Mary Ann Froehlich’s new book, Courageous Gentleness. In a modern world like ours, where we marvel at the brazen, the bold, the loud and powerful, her book encourages us to prize, treasure, and pursue the spiritual fruit of gentleness.

The book is filled with Scripture and each chapter concludes with a few questions of “Personal Retreat” to guide the reader into deeper reflection and personal application. At under 200 pages, the book is short, easy to read, but thought-provoking.

She begins with a chapter that asks, “Is Gentleness for Wimps?” Then she follows with chapters on the gentleness of God, of Jesus, and of Christians, as well as chapters on practicing aspects of gentleness such as humility, self-control, communication, patience, and more. Biblical gentleness, she argues, isn’t being weak or wimpy. It’s more like a powerhouse of meekness.

So often we excuse our lack of gentleness by saying, “Well, that’s just not me. I’m outspoken. That’s who I am.” But the Bible is clear when it says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” We are all to practice gentleness. It’s a marker of our faith and a sign of the Holy Spirit at work within us. It’s supposed to be part of our Christian testimony, drawing others to know Jesus.

I love that Mary Ann Froehlich emphasize that gentleness is a trait we practice by disciplining our tongues and taking time to craft responses to others. It may not be our natural bent, but it’s part of our Christian calling. As she writes, ‘gentleness is not simply a quality, trait, behavior, or characteristic. It is a choice.”

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jennifer Clausen-greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am I gentle? Wow, when I read the first line about the book I was blown away with just that question. As a Christian woman, I am expected to be gentle in speech, action, spirit, but I will admit it is something I struggle greatly with. I am not gentle by nature. I am kinda loud, sarcastic, opinionated and growing up with brothers, well I am a work in progress shall we say. I see these women and men in church and around in the community and they are soft spoken, and well gentle and I wonder how they got that way. What I can do to get that type of gentleness in my life and instill it into my kids? Like I said, I knew when I read the opening line I wanted to read this book and I am so glad that I did. We live in a society where the more power and money you have the louder you are in life and it is almost expected. Yet, I wonder if that is why God tells us that the we need to have the fruit of gentleness. Gentleness is a measure of self control that is not nearly as easy as it sounds or appears. It is something you have to work towards, practice and learn humility to achieve. Gentleness is a choice and it a hard daily practice, but one that God calls us to do.

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book from Discovery House Publishing via Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentleness is an expression of self-control that expresses kindness and compassion Did you know expressing kindness in any form can make you happy? It takes away anxiety that frees you to express joy in your life. There can be many misconceived ideals about gentleness because true gentleness is born from humility. When we get out of the way with our ideals whether if they are right or wrong, we can begin the good work of gentleness.

Just like Christ kindness towards us leads us to repentance, so our kindness to others may lead to their repentance. With kindness comes patience with others that may not see eye to eye, or that may cause you grief or pain. Patience is enduring in kindness. Because Christ did not give up on us, we too with healthy boundaries can find the strength not to give up on those that practice our patience.

This study is about identifying what gentleness is and the application. It is pragmatic in its approach but it is helpful to examine ourselves.


A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Courageous Gentleness" is a study on biblical gentleness. The author examined what the Bible says about gentleness and whether Jesus is gentle. She discussed why gentleness is desirable (now that you understand that gentleness is strength under control) and pointed out that American Christians don't have the reputation of being gentle. Then she showed how other fruits of the spirit are linked to gentleness and how to express gentleness along with a quiet spirit, self-control, kindness, humbleness, patience, and in our communication.

I've read some good studies on the Fruit of the Spirit, so I wasn't sure how much I'd get out of this study. But I gained some new insights from this author. I felt that she made many good points, and her overall tone was encouraging (rather than condemning). At the end of each chapter, she included questions that make you think more deeply about the ideas presented in that chapter. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand gentleness and to become more like Jesus.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Emily McFarlan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from "Courageous Gentleness" by Mary Ann Froehlich, but since it was released during my year of gentleness, I figured I'd better read it. I was pleasantly surprised. This book went beyond the usual, for-women-only, "gentle and quiet spirit" take on gentleness you find in the Christian inspiration genre, tackling everything from how Jesus displayed gentleness to how we as Christians fail at gentleness in our interactions with culture. It's a book I've revisited and thought about deeply since reading and have recommended to others.

I received a free e-book of this title from NetGalley to review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courageous Gentleness, by Mary Ann Froehlich, shows that gentleness does not mean weak. We are able to show gentleness when we speak or when we act. In fact, this is what the Bible calls us to do. We can still reach others, sometimes with more effectiveness when we choose this path. This book helps us to take another look at how we live and see how we can work gentleness into our Christian life.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Discovery House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Renee Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book will encourage you to live a Christ centered life.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this at Helping Hands thrift store in Bentonville, Arkansas in late Jan/early Feb of this year. It's one of those books that you have to be ready to read---otherwise it's dull and preachy and droning. I didn't realize it---but I was definitely ready to read it. Courageous Gentleness has changed my life.

As a kid, I was pretty shy around most people but pretty creative and outgoing around close friends and family. Moving into my adult years, I hit a point at about 30 years old, when I stopped trying to be a people-pleaser, stopped caring so much about what others thought of me, and started discovering who I want to be. For the most part, it's been a good experience the last 6 years. However, there are time when the snarky mean girl comes out and my wittiness is often "shown off" at others' expense. I don't want to be that sarcastic, loud-mouthed witty girl---but I didn't think I could ever be the soft-spoken, listening more than talking sort of person who is content to be still and quiet and keep to herself. I needed balance and this book helped provide that.

This is the crux of the whole deal---a quote from page 13: "Gentleness is a conscious decision to temper one's knowledge, skills, authority, or power with kindness and compassion. Gentleness does not refer to what we do but how we do it. Gentleness does not refer to what we know but how we share that knowledge.

Several truths really hit home for me. For instance, the idea of having a humble and gentle spirit often makes girls like me feel weak, wimpy, passive. She says, "Scripture teaches us that those qualities are the most powerful, transformative way to mirror Jesus Christ to a hurting world." That's huge...and more mature than my old way. Ha!

I like that she pointed out that we should be developing the fruits of the spirit in increasing quantities throughout our lives because claiming knowledge of Jesus with no fruit makes us ineffective, blind, and unproductive. Gentleness is a fruit of the spirit that leads to kindness and self-control. We must make ourselves holy and keep ourselves holy through constant effort and paying attention to how we treat others.

This was the second book in a row to quote Thomas a' Kempis multiple times. Coupled with my discovery of an antique copy of The Imitation of Christ at the same time I discovered this book, I think he will be moving to my short list very soon.

I'm so glad I came across this little book and will be saving it in my permanent collection to read again later.