Ahhh, to be
gentle and receive gentleness. I know
there are many times over the years I wished I were treated with more
gentleness and, quite frankly, even more times that I wished I had shown
gentleness. As a Fruit of the Spirit,
gentleness can be explored in a variety of aspects, all of them intertwined to
offer a sense of compassion, humility, and calmness. To provide gentleness in a situation is a
behavior that one needs to be cognizant of and to practice.
The greatest
factor impacting gentleness is an ability to respond to a situation without
pride. This does not mean that we should
not share our opinion or belief, but it does mean doing so in a manner that does
not demean or belittle the person with whom we are communicating. We need to leave the harsh words at the door
and replace them with words of grace and love.
We need to suppress the facial expressions of anger and replace them
with expressions of worth and value.
There are a variety of scenarios where gentleness can be seen.
Response
to mistakes: How
do you respond when someone makes mistakes?
Do you ‘come at them’ with wild eyes and harsh words? When we approach people that way, we often
find ourselves regretting our behavior.
This response can ruin relationships quickly. When we respond with gentleness, and the
understanding that people make mistakes and are not perfect, we come to the
situation with a sense of humility. We
have made our fair share of mistakes as well. Leave your pride and move forward
with gentleness – in words and behavior.
Sharing
of beliefs: Here is a news flash – not everyone is going
to have the same opinions and beliefs as you do! We see that play out every day in the
media. Disagreements over beliefs that
not only end in harsh words but violence.
God wants us to show people the path to heaven, but to do so with a
sense of gentleness. Peter says the
following when Christians are called to speak the truth of Jesus, “… 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. Preaching God’s word is effective when we live by the gentleness
Fruit of the Spirit.
There are
many more opportunities for us to live out gentleness in our lives. Our body language alone can portray a sense
of gentleness – responding to people with a smile, kind eyes, and wearing your
love for humanity on your sleeve. Our
words can be the greatest expressions of gentleness – leaving unkind and bitter
words behind and replacing them with words of uplifting and grace. Gentleness does not mean we have to be meek,
but it does mean that we can show calmness and compassion, regardless of the situation. If this is a ‘fruit’ that you need to work
on, take a few moments before responding to people. This is about these verses, and know that the
Holy Spirit is in you, working on gentleness.
Have Simple Faith!
Video that
complements this post: Fruit of Gentleness
Holy
Spirit, thank you for your help with my gentleness. May I respond to those around me with a
gentle approach, letting them know unconditionally that you are working in me
and through me for all goodness. Amen!
