“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 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Gentleness may bring to mind the soft touch of a mother caring for her child or a father’s gentle hand guiding his child who is learning to walk. However, gentleness does not mean weakness. On the contrary, gentleness and power are intricately entwined in this slice of the Fruit of the Spirit. A mother or father who is gentle with their child will become like a lion defending its cub if the child is threatened. The strength they possess is far greater than the child’s, and a good parent will use it to protect their child.
Gentleness in this passage has the idea of having a teachable heart, not being puffed up with pride or arrogance. It does not mean we are passive or weak but are willing to both receive and speak the truth in love when necessary. Correction is not given from a legalistic stand but from the perspective that we all fall short of the glory of God. It is because of His gracious gentleness that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, redeems us.
A Touch of Grace:
How has God shown His gentleness toward you?
How can you show godly gentleness towards others?
Grace Application:
Gentleness embraces compassion and power. The Lord’s gentleness is shown throughout the Bible. For example, in Genesis 3, when God called out to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He was fully aware they had eaten fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He knew the consequence of their disobedience meant death (eternal separation from Him). Yet, He already had a plan in place to conquer death. God firmly rebuked Adam and Eve, clearly laying out the pain that would come as a result of their sin. However, His gentleness is shown as He kills an animal to provide clothing to cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness. Here we see a foreshadowing of the blood that Jesus would shed to cover our sin, a gentle Lamb sacrificed for our disobedience. (Isaiah 53:7)
It’s easy to fall into thinking that a gentle person is weak, yet Christ is our example. He showed gentleness when healing the sick, lame, and lost. He shows the same gentle spirit is as He asks Peter, “Do you love Me?” (John 21: 15-17). Peter denied Jesus 3 times (see John 18:25-27). Yet, Jesus asked him to examine his heart to see if Peter truly loved Him. Peter was distressed by Jesus asking him 3 times if he loved Him. Yet, Jesus’ gentle probing helped Peter know in the depths of his heart that he truly loved Jesus, his Lord and Savior. Jesus then reminded Peter that he was no longer to work as a fisherman. Instead, Peter was to care for Jesus’ sheep. Thus, Peter led the way for the gospel of grace to be spread so the fruit of gentleness could bloom throughout God’s creation, just as it had in the Garden of Eden.
Paul reminds us that “… the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it] And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God’s] will.” 2 Timothy 24-26 AMPC
How will you show gracious gentleness today?
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for Your gentleness. Thank You for loving me by gently reminding me when I sin, even if it doesn’t feel gentle at the moment. Forgive me when I am legalistic with others, not showing the same gentleness You continually show me. Holy Spirit, help me grow in gentleness so that others will see You reflected in my heart. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**