Each week, we have explored another fruit of the Spirit. When we receive the Holy Spirit, the seed is planted. The seed will eventually grow into fruit if it is in the right environment. We need to nourish it by growing closer to God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
This week, I will focus on gentleness. We often think of gentleness as tenderness or even softness. Dictionary definitions say it is the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. But is that how the Bible describes it? It can be described as having a humble heart and being kind toward others. Matthew 11:29 says “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.”
This tells us to learn how to be gentle and humble in our hearts. We will find rest for our souls. One way to be gentle is to accept the hardships He allows in our lives, considering them helpful for our spiritual development. When we accept the hardships, it will give us rest. It will give us peace.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”—Proverbs 15:1
Jesus’ life reminds us that sometimes the strongest action is silence, acceptance, and gentleness. It is the humble and meek attitude of wanting to help other people instead of wanting to be superior to them. This attitude flows from a spirit of real love for the individual—having true, outgoing concern for their well-being.
In John 8:1-11 we read about the scribes and the Pharisees wanting to stone a woman to death for adultery. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” His response was “And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” They all left. Did Jesus condone her sins. No. He was gentle in His approach. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
We need to strive to be more like Jesus and be gentle in our approach to all situations. That includes times when we strongly disagree with what is taking place. I cannot help to think about the protests in recent years and how much of an impact it makes when it is peaceful compared to the aggressive behaviors. When you are aggressive, the opposition will fight back making things worse. You can be strong in your convictions, but gentle in the way you present them.
Thank you, Lord, for your gentleness with us as we continue to sin. Through the Holy Spirit, grow the seed of gentleness in us. Help us to understand that gentleness is not a weakness, but a strength. Teach us how to be humble in our hearts. A humble heart values the welfare of others ahead of its own. There is so much we can learn from you. Open our hearts and minds so we can learn and apply your traits to our lives. Amen.
