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It's Week 8 of the Fruit of the Spirit 5Ws series and this week we're reviewing the eighth fruit gentleness. My prayer is that we learn how God biblically defines His fruit, how to express His fruit in our lives, and how to practically walk by the Holy Spirit so we don't gratify the desires of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).
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 (NKJV)
Fruit of the Spirit– Gentleness
Who
Who can show gentleness?
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God (Acts 2:38, 10:45) to glorify Jesus Christ (John 16:14) and only indwells in those that have:
Chosen to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior (John 14:26)
Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins
Believe Jesus Christ resurrected three days later
Therefore, who can show gentleness, as God defines it?
Answer:
True believers and followers of Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit only indwells in them.
What
What is gentleness?
Prior to studying the biblical definition of gentleness, I thought gentleness meant weakness or described someone who was a passive pushover and like a "doormat". Now, after much research and studying the Word of God, I've learned the true definition of gentleness is actually the opposite.
Instead, gentleness is a choice (not an emotion or feeling) and is:
Powered or sourced by the Holy Spirit
Also translated as meekness (quality of having controlled strength)
Is the state or quality of being gentle (free from harshness, sternness, or violence)
Requires great strength and self-control
Outcome of true humility
Gentleness, also translated “meekness” does not mean weakness. Rather, it involves humility and thankfulness toward God, and polite, restrained behavior toward others. The opposites of gentleness are anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. ~Gotquestions.org
Gentleness is also a key ingredient to being able to fight the good fight of faith. In other words, if we don't want to lose the fight in keeping our faith, we need gentleness.
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV)
When
When should we demonstrate gentleness?
Like the other fruits— God desires gentleness (the state or quality of being gentle) becomes who we are in all circumstances and is a daily choice we make to be obedient and demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ.
Gotquestions.org describes to live in a spirit of gentleness:
We recognize every person is powerful. We can speak words that influence others; we can act in ways that help or hurt; and we can choose what influences will inform our words and actions. Gentleness constrains and channels that power. To be gentle is to recognize that God’s ways and thoughts are high above our own (Isaiah 55:9). It is to humbly realize that our worldviews are shaped by exposure to sin and the misinterpretation of experience. It is to accept God’s worldview, reflecting truth about the spiritual and the material worlds.
We must have a gentle attitude towards God because He is omniscient and we are not. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" God challenges Job. "Tell Me, if you have understanding" (Job 38:4). God knows everything of the past, present, and future (1 John 3:20); we can’t even get the weather forecast right. Like a petulant teenager to his parents, we may cry out, "You just don’t understand!" but God does understand, more than we could possibly know (Psalm 44:21).
We will correct others with easiness instead of arguing in resentment and anger, knowing that their salvation is far more important than our pride (2 Timothy 2:24-25). We will forgive readily, because any offense toward us is nothing compared to our offenses against God— offenses He’s already forgiven (Matthew 18:23-35). Competition and sectarianism will disappear, as the goal becomes less about ourselves and more about preaching the gospel (Philippians 1:15-18). John the Baptist was a fiery preacher, yet he evinced true gentleness when he said, “[Jesus] must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
We recognize that God is not as concerned with our comfort as He is concerned with our spiritual growth, and He knows how to grow us far better than we do. Gentleness means that we accept that the rain falls on the evil and the just and that God may use methods we don’t like to reach our hearts and the hearts of others.
We accept God's judgment on people and issues. We tend to think it is gentle to go easy on people and try to justify actions that God has called sin. Or, to let someone continue in sin without speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). But Paul says, "If anyone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1). This doesn’t mean to be so soft that the sinner doesn’t realize he or she has sinned. It means to confront the brother or sister in a manner that is in line with Scripture—to be mild, loving, encouraging, and clear about the holiness that God calls us to.
Where
Where is gentleness applicable?
To no surprise, the Bible has much to say about gentleness and here's three great examples:
Casting the first stone (John 8:1-11) Bible truth: We can respond with gentleness, just like Jesus!
The Lord is our shepherd (Psalm 23) Bible truth: God guides us with His gentle love.
A gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1) Bible truth: Gentle words bring peace.
Jesus gave us the perfect picture of gentleness: “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:5), and now He offers us His gentleness as a gift. If we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will be filled with the fruit of gentleness. ~Gotquestions.org
Why
Why is gentleness important?
It's simple— Gentleness is who God is and we are called to think, act, and feel like Him within our thoughts, actions, daily choices, and how we treat others (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Furthermore, a helpful article explains gentleness is important because:
God is overwhelmingly gentle with us when we sin and need correction, and He expects us to be the same way with others.
Gentleness shows the world that the way of violent encounters and situations ruled by emotion is not the better way.
God wants us to demonstrate gentleness because human beings require a gentle touch to truly change their lives and come to Him.
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
~Natasha
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