The Strength of Gentleness
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit and was revealed in Jesus. I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29). Gentleness is the Lord’s power and strength with a soft touch. Gentleness is the character of a loving heart that comes from living in the Spirit. A gentle spirit makes a strong impact on others when our words are guided by the Holy Spirit.
A gentle spirit is strongly accompanied by love, patience, kindness, and self control. When we minister to others we need patience, and often self control in listening diligently with a caring heart, and not being overly talkative. It all starts with kindness; how can we have any meaningful relationship without kindness? Therefore, gentleness is revealed with patience and kindness, while self control is displayed in listening and responding with Godly wisdom.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1-2) Can we have a gentle heart without having a humble and peaceful one? A humble person is a secure person who has a strong identity in Christ. Our trust in God’s love fights away fear which comes from Satan, and leaves us with a peace that transcends understanding. A humble person filled with God’s love and peace, will exhibit a gentle spirit.
Gentleness is revealed by the tone of our voice. Our voice may be soft or it may be bold when stating and uplifting truth from God. We use the tone of our voice wisely to bring out the love and power of our words. Over time, the gentleness of our words come from a caring heart and our words ultimately come from the Spirit.
People naturally exhibit a certain level of gentleness in their words. The problem often occurs when our emotions change the tone of our words with an attitude in the wrong direction. It is important that we keep Satan from misdirecting our words and thoughts through our emotions. If anger is a valid emotion coming from the conversation, then we should express our anger or displeasure with a gentle, strong spirit. If we make the other person angry and defensive, we have most likely broken any meaningful communication. Listening intently to others comes from the desire to understand what is going on with the person, and it shows that we have a caring heart.
Today, be still inside and see others with a caring heart. Use your words with gentleness in the tone of your voice. Godly wisdom is revealed in the words from the Spirit along with gentleness from the heart. Let gentleness add power and strength to your words today.
Let’s Pray: Lord, guide my words with gentleness of heart. Help me to be humble and secure with a heart filled with peace. Let me reveal a caring heart today by listening intently to others, and responding with Godly wisdom and a gentle spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.