There are times when gentleness is not called for. Jesus gave us one when he overturned the moneychanger's tables in the temple courts. Paul gets pretty close when he talks about the circumcision party, suggesting a slip of the knife toward them would be welcome (Galatians 5:12). It's interesting that this verse is in the same chapter as these verses on the fruit of the Spirit! When it comes time to stand firm, to protect the weak and vulnerable, to prevent harm to another we may need to assert ourselves. It may not be gentle in that moment.
But those are the exception and must not set the rule. For anger gives the devil a foothold. Held to and nurtured it not only gives ulcers, it allows our more base instincts freer reign.
