Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Philippians 4:4-5 (New International Version)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

So, what exactly does Paul mean when he calls us to gentleness through the fruit of the Spirit. Well, first, I can tell you what gentleness is not. It is not weakness or meekness. This fruit is not frail and yielding, or wimpy as we might associate with the term.

The Greeks regarded gentleness very highly. They considered gentleness the picture of self control, powerful, strong, under control. In fact, Aristotle is quoted as saying "Gentleness is that good temper that resides somewhere in the middle of excessive anger and complete apathy." He put forward the idea that gentleness was our emotions being controlled by a force greater than ourselves, controlled power - tamed potential.

Well, that isn't too far off from the biblical definition of gentleness which is humble disposition that demonstrates that we are under the Spirits control. Through gentleness we surrender ourselves, turn ourselves over to the Spirit, yield to the Spirit. Gentleness means we don't have to prove ourselves, we know where we come from, know where we are going and we know who owns us. Through that humble disposition we are able to fulfill our potential and our power is control.

The examples of gentleness in scripture occur during out of control situations. For it is at those times we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the ability to demonstrate control and gentleness. In fact, we need to be the most gentle when we feel the least gentle.

As Christ Followers, there are times we are presented with situations where we need to display gentleness or Spirit filled power.

First, when we are questioned by a "seeker" to explain our faith to them. Most of the time, that scares us. We feel inadequate to answer their questions because we are just lay people. However, all Christ asks us to do is be prepared to tell our own story, with gentleness and respect tell the person how God has worked in our lives. How our personal relationship with Christ has improved our situation, attitude and life.

1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version)
But in your hearts set apart 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,

Second, we need to exhibit gentleness when someone tries to engage us in a argument over scripture.

1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Lastly, there are times when we are called to confront a Christ Follower who is entangled in sin. It is our duty to not write them off or try to overpower them but to help restore them, being firm yet forgiving, trophies of gentleness.

Galatians 6:1 (New International Version)
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

So, finally we come to the question. How do we activate this fruit, gentleness, in our lives.

First, we acquire gentleness by pursuing it on a daily basis. Gentleness wont come to us as we sit on the couch, instead we should diligently pursue it and embrace it.

1 Timothy 6:11 (New International Version)
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Second, we need to allow God's word to change us. This is where gentleness gets its traction. We should allow the Spirit to make us different people which is what this "fruit of the Spirit" is all about.

James 1:21 (New International Version)
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Lastly, and most important, look to Jesus as our role model for gentleness. The scripture is full of examples of Christ's gentle nature. He was certainly the most gentle human to ever inhabit this planet. Consider his actions in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked God if there was any way he could avoid this burden, he said "I will serve Your will Lord, not mine". On that same night the soldiers came and the others wanted to fight, Jesus pulled out a basin and said "let us wash each other's feet". Even when he was hanging from the cross Jesus exhibited great gentleness...."Father forgive them, they know not what they do". Wow!!

Matthew 11:29 (New International Version)
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.

Gentleness is not weakness but controlled power granted to us through the Holy Spirit. Let us work daily to exhibit a Christ like gentleness to others in this world.

Prayer:
Father I am so humbled by Your word and what I have learned about gentleness, it is not something to be avoided or that compromises who we are. Thank You for Your modeling and demonstration of being tough yet tender, firm but forgiving. Help us Father as we follow in Your footsteps and through control in the Spirit we can be like You. Make us the kind of people who can be trophies of gentleness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen