THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS!

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS!

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

          We must remember that the second set of “triplets” are moral and spiritual qualities that are applied to others. The first three seem to be wrapped up in our salvation experience. God’s love brings us joy and peace. Longsuffering is the patient bearing of difficult people and difficult circumstances. It is not responding in violence or anger. Gentleness is actually the Greek word chrestotes (khray-stot’-ace) and means “moral excellence in character or demeanor.”

          Chapter divisions were not part of the original Bible manuscripts. These were added later. If we see Galatians as a letter instead of a book, it is not hard to read a bit ahead and come to the following need for gentleness in the church.

Gal 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, [equipped with these spiritual fruits] restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

          Charles R. Swindoll said: In our rough-and-rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft, and virtually spineless. Not so! ... Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self-esteem and dignity!” Pressure, not applied with gentleness, becomes a punch! It is important that we be right but it is also important that we be gentle.

Dear Lord, today I will be given many opportunities to be gentle. Let me not fail in this. AMEN