The Greek word here rendered "moderation" seems to carry with it the thought of reasonableness (gentleness), and of not exacting our rights too vigorously. Mercy and leniency are certainly qualities required of all who would be in the Kingdom with our Lord. Faithfulness in the performance, as far as possible, of all that justice would require of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our requirements of justice from others should be our rule; so shall we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for He is kind and merciful to the unthankful.
True Christianity does not breed fanaticism. Blending as it does in the character wisdom, justice, love and power, it is considerate of others' rights; full of justice and love to them and powerful to hold one in harmony with these principles. It therefore avoids extremes of thought, word and action and takes a middle course in life's affairs, whereby it exercises gentleness, which is the meaning of the word rendered moderation in our text. True to God, it is just to man. It preserves the love of devotion in harmony with respect for others' rights, and is therefore gentle toward all.
Isa. 40:11; 42:3; 2 Cor. 10:1; Matt. 11:29; 23:37; 2 Sam. 22:36; Psa. 18:35; Gal. 5:22; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:1; Jas. 3:17; Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15.
