The fruit of the spirit is…gentleness…. Gal. 5:22-23
For many of us, the word “gentleness” may conjure up images of weakness, wimpiness, spinelessness, maybe even enfeeblement and frailty.
But what the Bible calls gentleness has the sense of “great strength brought under control,” like a mighty stallion that has been broken so that a rider can ride it.
The best example would be Jesus. He was gentle with little children. “’Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:14-16 NKJV).
Jesus showed gentleness to the woman caught in adultery. At that time and culture, such an act was punishable by death. Interestingly, no man was charged with the crime, but an angry mob was ready to stone her. John 8:1-11 tells the story. Jesus showed no anger or judgment toward either the woman or her accusers, but told them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7).
Stricken by their consciences, the accusers left, notably, “the older ones first.”
Jesus then asked: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“’No one, sir,’ she said.”
“’Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
Some of the most gentle people on earth are those born with Down’s Syndrome. It has been said, if everyone on earth had that condition, there would be no more wars.
The fruit of the Spirit is exactly that: of the Spirit. We cannot consistently generate it from our own abilities or efforts. The first step is to confess your sins to God, invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior; His Spirit will then reside in you, and begin to do His work.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23 NASB)
Take the next step: At this Christmas season when so many are in a hurry, stressed, and burned out, how and where can you show gentleness?
Go deeper: What is Gentleness?
S.D.G./S.G.D.
