The Fruit of the Spirit (8/9) – Gentleness

Descipleship

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

29Take 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

34[But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.

– Luke 23:34
(NASB® © 2020)
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The Lord Jesus once said that we are destined to bear fruit. Our goal in life should, therefore, be to bear lasting fruit that is so valuable to God.

Ultimately, fruit means reflecting the characteristics of the Lord Jesus. When He is seen in us, God is glorified.

In this series, we want to reflect on the individual fruits that the Holy Spirit wants to work in our lives. And since our Lord is always the perfect role model (cf. Mt 11:29; Jn 13:15; 1 Pet 2:21), we will look directly at incidents from His life where these characteristics become visible.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness …”

Gentleness, or meekness, is not softness or weakness. First of all, it is the willing submission of the believer to the will of God. It is accepting everything from the hand of God (Job 1:21, 22; 1 Sam 3:18; 2 Sam 15:26).

A gentle person accepts disappointments, difficulties, or even personal attacks without complaining. He stops dissatisfaction, bitterness, or feelings of revenge in his heart.

A gentle believer is slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19); he is not quick-tempered. He gladly forgives. A gentle person can rebuke a believer in this attitude (Gal 6:1).

Examples of gentleness in the life of the Lord that we can learn from:

  • The Lord did not respond to insults, beatings, or murder plots.
  • The Lord Jesus, who needed time to Himself to mourn His murdered friend, John, calmly takes time for the crowds who flock to Him (Mt 14:12, 13).
  • The Lord Jesus commends the disciples for their faithfulness, even though they would all abandon him (Lk 22:28, 30).
  • The Lord Jesus puts the criticism of the disciples who had fallen asleep into gentle words and even finds an excuse for their behavior (Mt 26:40.41).
  • The Lord Jesus went away when He was ungratefully asked to do so despite having just delivered someone from a demon (Lk 8:37; cf. Lk 6:35b).
  • The Lord did not agree with the disciples’ desire for revenge, who want to bring down fire from heaven (Lk 9:53-55).
  • The Lord prayed for forgiveness for those who hate Him (Lk 23:34).

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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Descipleship

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