THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS…GENTLENESS

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a SPIRIT of GENTLENESS – 1 Corinthians 4: 21

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…GENTLENESS…” (Gal.5:22). Gentleness is also translated “Meekness”, suggesting mildness or quietness of nature. Gentleness does not however depict being weak, wimpy or timid. Meekness is not weakness. God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (2Tim.1:7). The Greeks used the word to describe strong animals that were brought under control. The true picture of gentleness is thus that of “subdued strength” – strength under control.

Gentleness is power and strength under God’s control. Domesticated animals allow the master to control them; we allow God to control us. Two individuals in the Bible are described as “meek”: Moses in Numbers 12:3; and Jesus (Mt. 11:29; 21:5; 2 Cor. 10:1). For both, “meekness” was not weakness; but a heart surrendered to God, a teachable spirit, and gentle strength. Paul, in handling the Corinthian church, could have used his rod of strength, but opted for the spirit of gentleness (1Cor.4:21). Even when anger is the legitimate response, as when Jesus cleared the temple, gentleness directs the expression of anger purposefully. Gentleness applies force correctly.

Gentleness is an attitude of spirit in which you accept God’s dealings with you as good rather than resist. It is the disposition to be balanced in temper and passion, and patient in enduring injuries without feeling or exhibiting a spirit of revenge. Paul exhorts us to walk worthy of our callings “With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” in order to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Church (Eph.4:2-3). Our walk with the Lord is unworthy if we are not considerate of one another. A gentle person is humble, considerate of others, and submissive to God and his Word.

The fruit of gentleness begins to germinate on the soil of submission to the will of God, where our power is relinquished to Him (Mt.26:42; Phil.2:1-8). It is fertilized with a teachable spirit: “therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive WITH MEEKNESS the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jam.1:21). You must be willing to learn in order to grow. The fruit of gentleness is watered through consideration for others (Eph.4:1-2). You need to be considerate of others feelings; you need to be able to put yourself in their shoes; to empathize with them.

You can demonstrate the fruit of gentleness is various instances, including: helping morally struggling brethren or restoring backsliders (Gal.6:1-4); extending forgiveness by giving up your right to be angry and your right for retribution (Col.3:12-13); in leadership settings (2Tim.2:24-25); for rewarding relationships (Tit.3:2); in the marriage relationship (1Pet.3:4); and in reaching others for Jesus (1Pet.3:15). Now, get up and reach out to someone with a gentle word and gentle touch for Jesus!