Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The fruit of the spirit is…gentleness.
Gentleness can be defined as softness of heart.
At the end of the day today, I witnessed a situation where I did not recognize gentleness. I saw an adult speak harshly with a student when there was no reason to. I’m guessing that by the end of the day, this person’s level of gentleness was shot. Being a teacher, I can relate. There are many days that by the end of the day (and often by second period) my ability to show gentleness is gone. But there was no reason to act harshly in this particular situation. And it made me wonder how often others hear me react as this person did.
The Bible says that gentleness is very important. Peter 3:4(ESV) says,
“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Let gentleness shine through you, let it embellish your beauty. Let it come from within your heart. Don’t let gentleness be just a show, but truly who you are inside. Much like the person I saw acting harshly with a student today, gentleness does not fill my heart on some of those rough days. But I think that also shows that on those days, my heart is not in alignment with Christ.
Phillipians 4:5 says “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Did you see that little word at the end? ALL…Not just the people that don’t wear on your nerves. Not just the people who you happen to interact with at the beginning of the day. All means ALL. My family should also get to experience my gentleness when I walk through the door at night.
How often would you say that you truly act with gentleness? This doesn’t seem to be a quality that most people are good at showing. But,we have no greater example of gentleness than the character of Jesus.
Matthew 11:29 (NIV) 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.” Learn to be like Christ, be gentle and humble.
Abraham Lincoln said, “nothing is stronger than gentleness.” There is so much truth in this statement. We are reminded in Proverbs 15:1 that “ A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Being gentle will give you strength, but your reaction could just make things worse.
If you find yourself running low on gentleness, try changing your perspective on a situation. I often find that when I have a little more compassion, I am able to respond to situations in a gentler way. And make sure to assess your heart, you may need to spend a few minutes in prayer before you encounter the rest of your day.
Lord, thank you for your gentleness. Forgive me when I don’t “adorn myself” with gentleness. Help me to learn to be more like you. And let my “gentleness be evident to all.” Amen
Journal prompt: Would others say that I have a gentle spirit? If not, what can I do to add moments throughout my day to renew my spirit and spend a few extra moments in prayer?
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