Mary Ann Froehlich really challenged me. While I am happy to be gentle and patient with babies, I must confess that I often want to just smack some adults upside the head when I witness the decadence and ignorance that permeates American society. I have a long road ahead if I’m to develop the gentle manner Jesus used. It helps to be reminded by Mary Ann that, “We have an all-powerful yet gentle God who could have destroyed us but instead chose to love us.”

But isn’t some anger justified? Mary Ann point to only two situations in which Jesus was angry: with Satan and his demons or with hypocrites. Her emphasis in this book is that “Jesus was never angry or harsh with lost, broken people.” The key for me to conquer my own harshness will be to constantly remind me that most of the people I encounter each day fall into the “lost, broken people” category.

This book includes plenty of Scripture to back up Mary Ann’s insights as well as quotes from well-known Christians past and present. There are also discussion questions, making this book suitable for a group Bible study.

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.

 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.

Wonderful, refreshing perspective on the true meaning of biblical gentleness. Gentleness is such a difficult, often misunderstood, quality in this day and age. Ms. Froehlich guides the reader through the true meaning of gentleness and shows what a strength it really is.