“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV)
No one has ever described me as quiet, gentle, or kind. The truth is I have been known to be loud, boisterous and coarse. I could blame it on my nature or my younger years of only knowing harshness; but, I choose to say that the Lord is still working out the kinks in my Fruit Tree. The fruit of gentleness is on my Fruit Tree---just slower growing than some of the other fruit. To be honest, I tried to lump the fruit of gentleness with the kindness and goodness fruit. However, as we have discovered, they are very different one from the other.
When I think of how to describe gentleness, I think of Jesus. The Prophet Isaiah says this about Him: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isa. 40:11) No artist could paint such a portrait as these words do in my mind. Jesus is gentleness personified.
Jesus encouraged us to come and find rest from a harsh, cruel and cold world: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29) I long for that rest in the arms of my Savior. Do you? Trust in Jesus and take Him at His Word.
Jesus tells us this: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) I thought I could become gentler if I hid my coarseness. Not only did I fail miserably, I hindered the work of the Holy Spirit in my Spiritual journey. The Fruit of the Spirit only grows as we allow Him to do the work in us. As our Fruit develops and matures we will become more and more like Jesus. He is still working on me and has a long way to go. Thankfully, day-by-day, as I walk with Him He shows me His gentleness---and it changes me.
The dictionary defines gentleness as being mild-mannered. This is not to be confused with someone who shrinks back from the world. On the contrary, gentleness is courage under fire and clothed in love. Again, Jesus is the perfect example of gentleness: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; …” 1 Peter 2:23-24a
We, as well, will face persecutions in this life. We will be reviled and slandered and insulted by the world and even our own family. Jesus was quite open and very clear about this in His Word: “They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. “ (John 16:2) This same Jesus also said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The very wise King Solomon shared this wisdom: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) So, when you face persecution---no matter how small or great---respond and react with gentleness: courage under fire clothed in love. And remember, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
What will be asked of you as the fruit of gentleness grows in your life? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Col. 3:12-14)
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1Timothy 6:11)
(ALL Scriptures contained in this post are from the NIV
LIVING THE LIGHT
Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV)
No one has ever described me as quiet, gentle, or kind. The truth is I have been known to be loud, boisterous and coarse. I could blame it on my nature or my younger years of only knowing harshness; but, I choose to say that the Lord is still working out the kinks in my Fruit Tree. The fruit of gentleness is on my Fruit Tree---just slower growing than some of the other fruit. To be honest, I tried to lump the fruit of gentleness with the kindness and goodness fruit. However, as we have discovered, they are very different one from the other.
When I think of how to describe gentleness, I think of Jesus. The Prophet Isaiah says this about Him: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isa. 40:11) No artist could paint such a portrait as these words do in my mind. Jesus is gentleness personified.
Jesus encouraged us to come and find rest from a harsh, cruel and cold world: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29) I long for that rest in the arms of my Savior. Do you? Trust in Jesus and take Him at His Word.
Jesus tells us this: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) I thought I could become gentler if I hid my coarseness. Not only did I fail miserably, I hindered the work of the Holy Spirit in my Spiritual journey. The Fruit of the Spirit only grows as we allow Him to do the work in us. As our Fruit develops and matures we will become more and more like Jesus. He is still working on me and has a long way to go. Thankfully, day-by-day, as I walk with Him He shows me His gentleness---and it changes me.
The dictionary defines gentleness as being mild-mannered. This is not to be confused with someone who shrinks back from the world. On the contrary, gentleness is courage under fire and clothed in love. Again, Jesus is the perfect example of gentleness: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; …” 1 Peter 2:23-24a
We, as well, will face persecutions in this life. We will be reviled and slandered and insulted by the world and even our own family. Jesus was quite open and very clear about this in His Word: “They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. “ (John 16:2) This same Jesus also said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The very wise King Solomon shared this wisdom: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) So, when you face persecution---no matter how small or great---respond and react with gentleness: courage under fire clothed in love. And remember, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
What will be asked of you as the fruit of gentleness grows in your life? “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Col. 3:12-14)
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1Timothy 6:11)
(ALL Scriptures contained in this post are from the NIV
translation of the BIBLE)