Fruit of the Spirit; Gentleness – Part 9

“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

God wants us to reflect the character of Jesus. One of those characteristics is gentleness. Though Jesus was called gentle only two times in the NIV translation of the Bible, He exhibited gentleness His entire life. “’Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…’” (Matt 19:14) Because it is very easy to frighten little children, Jesus exhibited gentleness. With the Samaritan woman at the well rather than sternly rebuking her, He engaged her in a gentle conversation, not condemning her for living with a man who was not her husband, but instead offering her eternal life “’Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.’” (John 4:13) Jesus was even gentle to the man who was going to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. Though He knew what was going to happen, there was no yelling, no screaming. Jesus remarked that one of the disciples would betray Him. “Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’” Jesus simply and gently answered, “You have said so.’” (Matt 26:25)

When we exhibit gentleness like Jesus, it will permeate our entire being reflected through the spirit and our actions. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit…” (1 Pet 3:3-5) How do we develop a gentle and quiet spirit like God? Reflect Jesus’s character. Be gentle like you are dealing with children, talk gently to one who has sinned against you and allow your gentleness to radiate from your personality…just like Jesus.

Prayer
Thank you dear Lord for loving me so much that You want me to imitate You. Give me the wisdom and strength to be Gentle like You. Amen