⁷ though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle^[a] among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children.

¹¹ As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children,

²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,^{(A) 25} correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth^(B)

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.^(A)

The Fruit of the Spirit

²² By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,^{(A) 23} gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Paul Defends His Ministry

10 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you but bold toward you when I am away!^(A)—

²² To the weak I became weak, so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.

⁴ For he was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him,^[a] but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.^(A)