Daily text, Monday, December 22, 2025. The Lord's slave does not have to fight, but must be kind to everyone (2 Tim. 2:24).

Numerous stories in the Bible emphasize the importance of gentleness. For example, when Isaac lived in Gerar, the Philistines, who inhabited the region, became envious of him and filled in the wells his father’s servants had dug with dirt. Instead of fighting to keep his wells, Isaac moved away and dug new ones (Gen. 26:12-18). However, the Philistines soon claimed that the water in that area belonged to them too. Despite the provocation, Isaac remained composed (Gen. 26:19-25). What helped him stay calm even when faced with persistent antagonism? It’s likely that he learned much from the example set by his parents. Abraham was peaceful in his actions, and Sarah was described as "gentle and quiet-spirited" (1 Pet. 3:4-6; Gen. 21:22-34). w23.09 15 par. 4

How can parents teach their children to appreciate gentleness?

Christian parents can also help their children understand the value of gentleness. Consider the case of 17-year-old Maxence. He had to deal with rude individuals both at school and during his ministry work. With patience, his parents helped him develop a mild and calm demeanor. They share: “Our son has come to realize that it takes more inner strength to control his reactions than to get angry or seek revenge.” It’s wonderful that gentleness has now become one of Maxence’s key virtues!

How does prayer help us remain calm?

Imagine being in a very tense situation—perhaps someone insults Jehovah or mocks the teachings of the Bible. What can help us in those moments? We can pray to Jehovah, asking for His spirit and wisdom so we can respond in a calm and mild manner. What if we realize we didn’t handle the situation as well as we should have? We can talk to Jehovah again and reflect on how we could better manage similar situations in the future. If we do this, He will give us His Holy Spirit, enabling us to maintain self-control and show gentleness.

How can knowing certain Bible verses by heart help us in tense moments? (Proverbs 15:1, 18)

There are Bible verses that can help us respond peacefully in tense or difficult situations. The Holy Spirit can bring these scriptures to mind when we need them most (John 14:26). For instance, the book of Proverbs offers valuable principles for maintaining gentleness (see Proverbs 15:1, 18). It also highlights the benefits of self-control during stressful circumstances (Prov. 10:19; 17:27; 21:23; 25:15).