THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

REFERENCE
Galatians 5:22-25

Gentleness speaks of kindness and warm-heartedness, the opposite of a harsh and crooked temper. It is the mildness of temper, calmness of Spirit, and a calm disposition to treat people politely. The Greek word for gentleness, ‘Prautes,’ describes meekness or mildness of character. It talks about “power under control” and paints the picture of a tame horse.

Today, we live in a world where being harsh and brash in speech and character are good attributes; we think being rude, loud, and forward are positive traits, and we celebrate people with such characteristics and follow them on social media. We respect the boss who mistreats us. and regard lousy people as ‘hip’ and ‘happening.’ We see gentleness as a sign of weakness; however, being harsh towards people never solves a problem; it only engenders bad feelings.

On the other hand, talking calmly to people will better help them see where they are wrong; explaining a situation to them and how you feel will better get their attention. Therefore, gentleness is better than harshness. Many have lost a good job, a good relationship/marriage, a good customer, or a good opportunity because of harshness, bad manners, and brashness.

James Allen, an inspirational British writer, said, “You will know you are fruitful in gentleness when you bless where others curse, love where others hate, forgive where others condemn, yield where others strive, give up where others grasp, lose where others gain. But in their strength, they shall be weak; and in your weakness you shall be strong; yes, you shall mightily prevail.”

Christians are not called to be touts; we are to be civilized through the Holy Spirit’s operation. Sometimes, it feels awkward to be gentle in a world where people often misunderstand it as a weakness. But do it unto God because you are filled with the Holy Spirit.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Proverbs 15:1, Titus 3:1-5, and Colossians 3:12-13

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PRAYER POINTS:

+ Pray for grace to yield and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in you, changing and making you fruitful in gentleness.

+ Ask God to heal you from the hurt of people who have taken advantage of your gentleness and counted your meekness for weakness.