Fruit of the Spirit – Day 8

Gentleness – oftentimes associated with being weak – is actually a sign of strength. Gentleness is the power within you that offers kind but true words. Gentleness is soft yet honest guidance and truth spoken from a heart where Christ resides. The book of James states that the wisdom from above is pure and gentle.

Being gentle means that we know God’s words, thoughts, and actions are better than our own. It means that when we want to overreact we will choose to pause and let God react instead. It takes strength to speak the truth. It takes even more strength to do it in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ. Being harsh or having a condescending spirit turns people away. If we turn people away then we will never grow the Kingdom of Heaven. Never.

The news is full of stories where people were quick to anger. They reacted to situations in a manner that quickly landed them in a predicament that had them spinning out of control. Don’t allow the world to let you spin. Instead let God hold your tongue and heart steady. The Bible tells us to be constant in prayer – this is why. With God within us we will be ready to extend grace and gentleness instead of judgement and wrath. The world needs grace. They need to see grace. They need to experience grace.

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6

“Gracious words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24