Dear Friends,
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Last week we looked at faithfulness. This week we will zero in on GENTLENESS: Christ-like consideration of others.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
Jesus spoke of his gentleness, “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.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)
When Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you,” he committed to be beside us, gently teaching us, and helping us carry the burdens of life. The Apostle Peter emphasized the need for us to be gentle when we share the good news about Jesus: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15
So what does it mean to be gentle? Synonyms include: affable, agreeable, compassionate, considerate, docile, humane, kindly, peaceful, pleasant, quiet, softhearted, sympathetic, tame, tender, and warm-hearted. Perhaps the best synonym is meek – power under control. Being gentle doesn’t mean being a pushover, obsequious, or complacent; being gentle requires us to speak the truth in love. Whether we are teaching a child, confronting an adversary, or sharing God’s word with a stranger, we should remember that “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1 (NLT).
“Remember to say what you mean, but don’t say it meanly.” ― Elizabeth George
Deuteronomy 32:2 offers us a poetic metaphor for how we should speak to one another: “Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.”
We see more on the qualities of gentleness in James 3:17 (NLT): ”But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
So what does it mean to be gentle? It means to be respectful, compassionate, truthful, controlled, and soft as rain on a gentle flower. It means to be like Jesus.
Verse for the week: Colossians 3:12 (NIV): “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 