How Happy the Mild-Tempered!

“Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”​—MATTHEW 5:5.

1. What is the mildness of temper that Jesus spoke of in his Sermon on the Mount?

IN HIS Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) This mildness of temper, or meekness, is not a veneer of hypocritical gentleness, nor is it simply a natural personality trait. Rather, it is genuine inward mildness and peaceableness exercised primarily in response to Jehovah God’s will and guidance. Truly mild-tempered people have a keen sense of dependence on God that is reflected in mild conduct toward fellow humans.​—Romans 12:17-19; Titus 3:1, 2.

2. Why did Jesus pronounce the mild-tempered happy?

² Jesus pronounced the mild-tempered happy because they will inherit the earth. As the perfectly mild-tempered Son of God, Jesus is the Chief Inheritor of the earth. (Psalm 2:8; Matthew 11:29; Hebrews 1:1, 2; 2:5-9) But as the Messianic “son of man,” he was to have associate rulers in his heavenly Kingdom. (Daniel 7:13, 14, 22, 27) As Christ’s “joint heirs,” these anointed mild-tempered ones will share in his inheritance of the earth. (Romans 8:17) Other mild-tempered, sheeplike people will enjoy eternal life in Paradise in the Kingdom’s earthly realm. (Matthew 25:33, 34, 46; Luke 23:43) That prospect makes them happy indeed.

3. God and Christ set what example as to mildness?

³ The mild-tempered Chief Inheritor receives the earth from his Father, Jehovah, the prime example of mildness of temper. How often the Scriptures say that God is “slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness”! (Exodus 34:6; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15) He has great power but displays such mildness that his worshipers can approach him without dread. (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22) God’s Son, who was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart,” taught his disciples to be mild. (Matthew 11:29; Luke 6:27-29) In turn, these mild-tempered slaves of God and his Son copied and wrote about “the mildness and kindness of the Christ.”​—2 Corinthians 10:1; Romans 1:1; James 1:1, 2; 2 Peter 1:1.

4. (a) According to Colossians 3:12, what has been done by those who are truly mild-tempered? (b) What questions merit our consideration?

⁴ Today, both anointed Christians and their earthly companions need to be mild-tempered. Having put off any badness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and backbiting, they have been helped by God’s holy spirit to become new in ‘the force actuating their mind.’ (Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Peter 2:1, 2) They are urged to clothe themselves with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) But exactly what does mildness encompass? Why is it beneficial to be mild-tempered? And how can this quality contribute to our happiness?

A Closer Look at Mildness

5. How may mildness be defined?

⁵ A mild-tempered individual is gentle in disposition and behavior. In certain versions of the Bible, it is the adjective pra·ysʹ that is translated “meek,” “mild,” “mild-tempered,” and “gentle.” In classical Greek, the adjective pra·ysʹ can apply to a gentle breeze or voice. It can also denote someone who is gracious. Scholar W. E. Vine says: “The exercises of [the noun pra·yʹtes] are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosunē [humility].”

6. Why can it be said that mildness is not weakness?

⁶ Mildness is not weakness. “There is gentleness in praus,” wrote scholar William Barclay, “but behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel.” It takes strength to be mild-tempered. For instance, strength is needed to be mild under provocation or when we are persecuted. God’s mild-tempered Son, Jesus Christ, set a fine example in this regard. “When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one [Jehovah God] who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23) Like mild-tempered Jesus, we can be confident that God will deal with our revilers and persecutors. (1 Corinthians 4:12, 13) We can be tranquil, as persecuted Stephen was, realizing that if we are faithful, Jehovah will sustain us and let nothing do us permanent harm.​—Psalm 145:14; Acts 6:15; Philippians 4:6, 7, 13.

7. What does Proverbs 25:28 indicate about an individual lacking mildness?

⁷ Jesus was mild-tempered, yet he displayed strength in standing firm for what is right. (Matthew 21:5; 23:13-39) Anyone having “the mind of Christ” will be like him in this respect. (1 Corinthians 2:16) If a person is not mild, he is not Christlike. Rather, he fits these words: “As a city broken through, without a wall, is the man that has no restraint for his spirit.” (Proverbs 25:28) Such an individual lacking mildness is vulnerable to the invasion of wrong thoughts that could cause him to act in improper ways. While a mild-tempered Christian is not a weakling, still he knows that “an answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.”​—Proverbs 15:1.

8. Why is it not easy to be mild-tempered?

⁸ It is not easy to be mild-tempered, for we have inherited imperfection and sin. (Romans 5:12) If we are Jehovah’s servants, we also have a fight against wicked spirit forces that may test our mildness by persecution. (Ephesians 6:12) And most of us work among those who have the harsh spirit of the world that is under the Devil’s control. (1 John 5:19) So how can we develop mildness?

How to Develop Mildness

9. What viewpoint will help us to develop mildness?

⁹ Bible-based conviction that we are required to display mildness will help us to develop this quality. Day by day we must work to cultivate mildness. Otherwise, we will be like people who view mildness as weakness and think that success results from being arrogant, tough, even cruel. However, God’s Word condemns pride, and a wise proverb says: “A man of loving-kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul, but the cruel person is bringing ostracism upon his own organism.” (Proverbs 11:17; 16:18) People stay away from a harsh, unkind person, even if they do so mainly to avoid being hurt by his cruelty and lack of mildness.

10. If we are to be mild-tempered, to what must we submit?

¹⁰ To be mild-tempered, we must submit to the influence of God’s holy spirit, or active force. As Jehovah made it possible for the earth to produce crops, so he enables his servants to bring forth the fruits of his spirit, including mildness. Paul wrote: “The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Yes, mildness is one of the fruits of God’s spirit displayed by those who please him. (Psalm 51:9, 10) And what changes mildness produces! To illustrate: There was a ruffian named Tony who fought, robbed people, smuggled narcotics, led a motorcycle gang, and spent time in prison. Yet, by acquiring knowledge of the Bible and with the help of God’s spirit, he changed into a mild-mannered servant of Jehovah. Tony’s story is typical. What, then, can a person do if a lack of mildness has been a dominant feature of his personality?

11. In developing mildness, what role does prayer play?

¹¹ Heartfelt prayer for God’s spirit and for its fruit of mildness will help us to cultivate this quality. We may need to “keep on asking,” as Jesus said, and Jehovah God will grant our request. After showing that human fathers give their children good things, Jesus said: “If you, although being [sinful and thus comparatively] wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” (Luke 11:9-13) Prayer can help to make mildness a permanent feature of our temperament​—a quality contributing to our happiness and that of our associates.

12. Why can keeping in mind that humans are imperfect help us to be mild-tempered?

¹² Keeping in mind that humans are imperfect can help us to be mild-tempered. (Psalm 51:5) We cannot think or act perfectly, any more than other people can, so we should surely have empathy and treat them as we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) Being aware that all of us make mistakes should cause us to be forgiving and mild-tempered in dealing with others. (Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21, 22) After all, are we not thankful that God displays love and mildness toward us?​—Psalm 103:10-14.

13. How can we be helped to cultivate mildness if we acknowledge that God has made humans free moral agents?

¹³ Acknowledging that God has made humans free moral agents can also help us to cultivate mildness. This does not permit anyone to ignore Jehovah’s laws with impunity, but it does allow for variety in tastes, likes, and dislikes among his people. So let us acknowledge that no one is obligated to fit into the mold we may consider best. This spirit will help us to be mild-tempered.

14. As to mildness, what should be our determination?

¹⁴ Determination not to abandon mildness will help us to keep on cultivating this quality. Submitting to the influence of Jehovah’s spirit brought about a transformation in our thinking. (Romans 12:2) A mild, Christlike spirit now helps to restrain us from engaging in “deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches, and illegal idolatries.” We must never abandon mildness for financial, social, or other reasons or because people make abusive remarks about our godliness. (1 Peter 4:3-5) We must let nothing make us engage in “the works of the flesh,” so that we lose our mildness and fail to inherit God’s Kingdom or enjoy its blessings. (Galatians 5:19-21) Let us always cherish the privilege of being God’s mild-tempered ones, whether anointed to heavenly life or having an earthly hope. To that end, let us consider some benefits of mildness.

Benefits of Mildness

15. According to Proverbs 14:30, why is it wise to be mild?

¹⁵ A mild person has calmness of heart, mind, and body. This is so because he does not engage in strife, get upset over others’ actions, or torment himself with unrelenting anxiety. Mildness helps him keep his emotions in check, and this is beneficial mentally and physically. A proverb says: “A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism.” (Proverbs 14:30) Lack of mildness may lead to anger that can raise blood pressure or cause digestive troubles, asthma, eye afflictions, and other problems. A mild-tempered Christian enjoys various benefits, including “the peace of God” that guards his heart and mental powers. (Philippians 4:6, 7) How wise it is to be mild-tempered!

16-18. What effect does mildness have on our relationship with others?

¹⁶ The quality of mildness improves our relationship with others. Perhaps we once had the habit of pressing matters until we got our way. People may have become angry with us because we lacked humility and mildness. Under such circumstances, it should not have surprised us if we became embroiled in one controversy after another. However, a proverb says: “Where there is no wood the fire goes out, and where there is no slanderer contention grows still. As charcoal for the embers and wood for the fire, so is a contentious man for causing a quarrel to glow.” (Proverbs 26:20, 21) If we are mild-tempered, instead of ‘adding wood to the fire’ and provoking others, we will have a good relationship with them.

¹⁷ A mild-tempered person is likely to have good friends. People enjoy associating with him because he has a positive attitude, and his words are refreshing and sweet as honey. (Proverbs 16:24) That was true of Jesus, who could say: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:29, 30) Jesus was not harsh, and his yoke was not oppressive. Those coming to him were treated well and refreshed spiritually. The situation is similar when we associate with a mild-tempered Christian friend.

¹⁸ Mildness endears us to fellow believers. Undoubtedly, most Christians in Corinth were drawn to Paul because he entreated them “by the mildness and kindness of the Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:1) The Thessalonians surely must have responded to the apostle, since he was a mild, gentle teacher. (1 Thessalonians 2:5-8) There is no question that the Ephesian elders had learned much from Paul and loved him dearly. (Acts 20:20, 21, 37, 38) Do you display mildness that endears you to others?

19. How does mildness help Jehovah’s people to keep their place in his organization?

¹⁹ A mild temper helps Jehovah’s people to be submissive and to keep their place in his organization. (Philippians 2:5-8, 12-14; Hebrews 13:17) Mildness restrains us from seeking glory, which is based on pride and is offensive to God. (Proverbs 16:5) A mild person does not consider himself superior to fellow believers, and he does not try to excel at their expense. (Matthew 23:11, 12) Instead, he acknowledges his sinful state and his need for God’s ransom provision.

Mildness Promotes Happiness

20. What effect does mildness have on family life?

²⁰ All of God’s servants should remember that mildness is a fruit of his spirit that promotes happiness. For instance, because Jehovah’s people display such qualities as love and mildness, happy homes abound among them. When husband and wife deal with each other in a mild way, their children are reared in a calm environment, not in a family given to harsh words and actions. As a father gives his children counsel in mildness, this has a good effect on their young minds, and a mild spirit is likely to become part of their personality. (Ephesians 6:1-4) A mild temper helps husbands to keep on loving their wives. It assists wives to be in subjection to their husbands and moves children to obey their parents. Mildness also causes family members to have a forgiving spirit that contributes to happiness.​—Colossians 3:13, 18-21.

21. In essence, what counsel did the apostle Paul give at Ephesians 4:1-3?

²¹ Mild-tempered families and individuals promote happiness in congregations with which they are associated. Therefore, Jehovah’s people need to make earnest effort to be mild-tempered. Are you doing so? The apostle Paul entreated fellow anointed Christians to walk worthily of their heavenly calling, doing so “with complete lowliness of mind and mildness, with long-suffering, putting up with one another in love, earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) Christians with an earthly hope must also display mildness and other godly qualities. This is the course that brings true happiness. Happy indeed are the mild-tempered!

Be Clothed With Mildness!

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.”​—COLOSSIANS 3:12.

1-3. At Colossians 3:12-14, what did the apostle Paul say about mildness and other godly qualities?

JEHOVAH gives his people the very best figurative clothing. In fact, all who desire his favor must be clothed in a garment having strong strands of mildness. This quality is comforting because it minimizes tension in stressful situations. It is protective too, for it wards off strife.

² The apostle Paul urged fellow anointed Christians: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) The tense of the Greek word rendered “clothe yourselves” denotes action to be taken with a sense of urgency. Anointed ones, who were chosen, holy, and loved by God, were not to delay in clothing themselves with such qualities as mildness.

³ Paul added: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:13, 14) Love, mildness, and other godly qualities make it possible for Jehovah’s Witnesses to “dwell together in unity.”​—Psalm 133:1-3.

Mild-Tempered Shepherds Needed

4. True Christians wear a figurative garment woven of what qualities?

⁴ True Christians strive to ‘deaden their body members as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness,’ and they work at removing any old garment having a fabric of wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk. (Colossians 3:5-11) They strip off “the old personality” (literally, “the old man”) and put on “the new personality” (or, “the new man”), a suitable garb. (Ephesians 4:22-24, Kingdom Interlinear) Their new garment, woven of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering, helps them to resolve problems and to live godly lives.​—Matthew 5:9; 18:33; Luke 6:36; Philippians 4:2, 3.

5. What is there about the functioning of the Christian congregation that makes it such a joy to be part of it?

⁵ Men considered successful in this world are often hard, even cruel. (Proverbs 29:22) How refreshingly different it is among Jehovah’s people! The Christian congregation does not function as some men operate a business​—in an efficient but harsh manner that may make people unhappy. Rather, it is a joy to be part of the congregation. One reason is that mildness of temper is a feature of the wisdom displayed by Christians in general and especially by men qualified to teach fellow believers. Yes, joy results from instruction and counsel given by appointed elders who teach “with a mildness that belongs to wisdom.”​—James 3:13.

6. Why must Christian elders be mild-tempered?

⁶ The spirit, or dominant attitude, of God’s people requires that men entrusted with oversight in the congregation be mild-tempered, reasonable, and understanding. (1 Timothy 3:1-3) Jehovah’s servants are like gentle sheep, not obstinate goats, stubborn mules, or ravenous wolves. (Psalm 32:9; Luke 10:3) Being sheeplike, they need to be treated with mildness and tenderness. (Acts 20:28, 29) Yes, God expects elders to be mild, kind, loving, and patient toward his sheep.​—Ezekiel 34:17-24.

7. How should elders instruct others or help the spiritually sick?

⁷ As “a slave of the Lord,” an elder “needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:24, 25) Christian shepherds should show tender consideration when trying to help the spiritually sick, for the sheep belong to God. Elders must not treat them as a hireling would but need to be mild-tempered, like the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ.​—John 10:11-13.

8. What happened to mild-tempered Moses, and why?

⁸ An elder may at times find it difficult to maintain a mild spirit. “Moses was by far the meekest of all the men who were upon the surface of the ground.” (Numbers 12:3) Yet, when the Israelites faced a water shortage at Kadesh, they quarreled with Moses and blamed him for leading them from Egypt into a barren wilderness. Despite all that Moses had meekly endured, he spoke rashly, harshly. He and Aaron stood before the people and directed attention to themselves, Moses saying: “Hear, now, you rebels! Is it from this crag that we shall bring out water for you?” Moses then struck the crag with his rod twice, and God made “much water” come out for the people and their animals. Jehovah was displeased because Moses and Aaron had not sanctified Him, so Moses was not privileged to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.​—Numbers 20:1-13; Deuteronomy 32:50-52; Psalm 106:32, 33.

9. How may an elder’s mildness be tested?

⁹ A Christian elder’s mildness may also be tested in various ways. For instance, Paul warned Timothy that there could arise someone “puffed up with pride” and “mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words.” Paul added: “From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions, violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth.” The overseer Timothy was not to act harshly but was to “flee from these things,” and he was to “pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper.”​—1 Timothy 6:4, 5, 11.

10. Of what was Titus to remind the congregations?

¹⁰ Though elders need to be mild, they must be firm for what is right. Titus was that way, reminding those associated with congregations in Crete to “speak injuriously of no one, not to be belligerent, to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.” (Titus 3:1, 2) Showing why Christians should be mild-tempered toward all, Titus was to point out how kind and loving Jehovah had been. God had not saved believers because of any righteous deeds they had performed but according to his mercy through Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s mildness and patience mean salvation for us too. Like Titus, therefore, present-day elders should remind congregations to be in subjection to God, imitating Him by treating others in a mild way.​—Titus 3:3-7; 2 Peter 3:9, 15.

Mildness Guides the Wise Counselor

11. According to Galatians 6:1, 2, how should counsel be given?

¹¹ What if a figurative sheep has erred? Paul said: “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted. Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the Christ.” (Galatians 6:1, 2) Counsel is more effective if it is given in a spirit of mildness. Even if elders are trying to counsel an angry person, they should display self-control, realizing that “a mild tongue itself can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15) Someone as hard as a bone may be softened by a mild statement, and his hardness may break down.

12. How does a mild spirit help a counselor?

¹² Jehovah is a mild-tempered Instructor, and his mild way of teaching is effective in the congregation. This is especially so when elders find it necessary to counsel those requiring spiritual help. The disciple James wrote: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out of his fine conduct his works with a mildness that belongs to wisdom.” Mildness springs from respect and gratitude for “wisdom from above,” coupled with modest recognition of one’s own limitations. A mild and humble spirit protects the counselor from making damaging remarks and errors and makes his counsel easier to accept.​—James 3:13, 17.

13. How does “a mildness that belongs to wisdom” affect the way counsel is given?

¹³ “A mildness that belongs to wisdom” precludes a counselor’s being thoughtlessly blunt or harsh. Yet, concern over friendship or having someone’s approval must not move an elder to say things designed to please rather than mildly to present straightforward counsel based on God’s Word. (Proverbs 24:24-26; 28:23) The counsel Amnon received from his cousin satisfied his desire, but it cost him his life. (2 Samuel 13:1-19, 28, 29) Present-day elders must, therefore, not water down Bible principles to ease someone’s conscience, for doing so could imperil his life. Like Paul, elders must not hold back from telling others “all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26, 27; 2 Timothy 4:1-4) A mature Christian counselor shows godly fear and gives righteous counsel with a mildness belonging to wisdom.

14. Why should an elder be careful not to make decisions that others should make themselves?

¹⁴ Mildness coupled with heavenly wisdom will prevent an elder from making harsh demands. He should also realize that it is unwise and inappropriate for him to make a decision that another person should make for himself. An elder would be responsible for the results if he made decisions for others, and he would share blame for any bad outcome. An elder can call attention to what the Bible says, but if there is no Scriptural law on a matter, an individual’s own judgment and conscience must determine what he will or will not do. As Paul said: “Each one will carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5; Romans 14:12) However, an inquirer may be helped toward making a right decision by an elder’s asking questions that assist the person to reason on the scriptures related to optional courses that may be open to him.

15. What should be done if an elder does not know the answer to a question?

¹⁵ If an elder does not know the answer to a question, he should not reply just to save face. Mildness that belongs to wisdom would keep him from guessing and perhaps giving a wrong answer that later could cause distress. There is “a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7; compare Proverbs 21:23.) An elder should “speak” only when he knows the answer to a question or has done enough research to give an accurate reply. It is wise to leave speculative questions unanswered.​—Proverbs 12:8; 17:27; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:14.

Value of a Multitude of Counselors

16, 17. Why is it appropriate for elders to consult with one another?

¹⁶ Prayer and study will help elders to answer questions and handle difficult problems, but it should be remembered that “in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment.” (Proverbs 15:22) Consulting with other elders results in a valuable pooling of wisdom. (Proverbs 13:20) Not all elders have equal experience or Bible knowledge. Hence, mildness that belongs to wisdom should move a less-experienced elder to consult with elders having greater knowledge and more experience, especially when a serious matter needs to be handled.

¹⁷ When elders are chosen to handle a serious matter, they still may confidentially seek help. To assist him in judging the Israelites, Moses selected “capable men, fearing God, trustworthy men, hating unjust profit.” Though they were elders, they did not have as much knowledge and experience as Moses did. Hence, “a hard case they would bring to Moses, but every small case they themselves would handle as judges.” (Exodus 18:13-27) If necessary, then, elders handling a hard case today can properly seek the help of experienced overseers, though they make the final decision themselves.

18. In handling judicial matters, what are the decisive factors ensuring proper decisions?

¹⁸ The Jewish Mishnah says that in Israel those making up village courts varied in number according to the gravity of the case. There is true value in the multitude of counselors, though numbers alone do not guarantee rightness, for a majority can be wrong. (Exodus 23:2) The decisive factors ensuring that proper decisions will be made are the Scriptures and God’s spirit. Wisdom and mildness will move Christians to submit to these.

Witnessing With Mildness

19. How does mildness help Jehovah’s people to witness to others?

¹⁹ Mildness also helps Jehovah’s servants to witness to people of various dispositions. (1 Corinthians 9:22, 23) Because Jesus taught with mildness, humble ones did not fear him, as they did the harsh religious leaders. (Matthew 9:36) Of course, his mild ways attracted “sheep,” not wicked “goats.” (Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16-21) Though Jesus used strong terms in dealing with goatlike hypocrites, Jehovah’s Witnesses must be mild when declaring God’s judgment messages today because they do not have the same insight and authority that Jesus had. (Matthew 23:13-36) As they hear the message of the Kingdom preached with mildness, ‘those rightly disposed for everlasting life become believers,’ as did sheeplike ones who heard Jesus.​—Acts 13:48.

20. How does a Bible student benefit when he is taught with mildness?

²⁰ Good results are attained by witnessing and instructing others with mildness and by appealing to them on the basis of logic, Bible principles, and truth. “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts,” wrote Peter, “always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) A student who is being taught in a mild way can concentrate on the material instead of being distracted or possibly even stumbled by a harsh, argumentative manner. Like Paul, ministers instructing with mildness can say: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, that our ministry might not be found fault with.” (2 Corinthians 6:3) Even opposers sometimes respond favorably to those instructing with mildness.

Mildness Required of All

21, 22. How does mildness benefit all of Jehovah’s people?

²¹ Christian mildness must not be put on just to impress those outside Jehovah’s organization. This quality is also vital in relationships among God’s people. (Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 4:8) Congregations are built up spiritually when mild-tempered elders and ministerial servants work together harmoniously. Displaying mildness and other godly qualities is important for every one of Jehovah’s people because there is “one law” for all.​—Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 24:22.

²² Mildness contributes to the peace and happiness of God’s people. It should, therefore, be part of the fabric of qualities making up the garment worn by all Christians at home, in the congregation, and elsewhere. Yes, all servants of Jehovah need to be clothed with mildness.