Authority is like a two-edged sword; it can bless as well as cause harm. In our text, Apostle Paul recognised his apostolic authority and was determined to deploy it only for the good of the people. People with great power and authority ought to be people of great discretion as well; otherwise, they risk leaving others wounded and destroyed. The more you increase in power, the gentler you ought to be.  Gentleness is power under control. It is a vital qualification for ecclesiastical office. Anyone aspiring to be a Bishop is expected to be gentle as that office comes with enormous power and responsibility. Without gentleness, power can cause harm rather than contribute to godly edification.

The more you increase in power, the gentler you ought to be…Gentleness is power under control…When we bring our power under control, we give opportunity to people around us to blossom.

Jesus demonstrated gentleness. We know too well that He had the power to punish those who struck Him. He had power to come down from the cross when the people tied the proof of His sonship to that. He did not oblige them. That was gentleness at best. David tied his greatness to God’s gentleness. “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.” Psalms 18:35 NKJV. Had God not kept His power under control, David would have been destroyed ever before he had the chance to make it to the top. The same is true of many people today. We are to follow in the footsteps of God. When we bring our power under control, we give opportunity to people around us to blossom.