Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5

Gentleness is defined as considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender. Meek is another word we may relate to gentleness. As a mother, wife, and an educator, sometimes it is difficult to be gentle. I think with kids we expect them to understand or "get" certain things and when they don't we almost treat them like adults! They require us to be gentle especially when we are teaching them right from wrong. We must be gentle with not only children, but with adults as well. Ephesians 4:2 says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

I think about when our children are sick how tender and attentive we are. We are there for their every beck and call, we speak mildly to them, and we are very considerate of them because they are in such a vulnerable state. I have been home with my daughter through this bout of sickness that she has had and it was like God revealed to me that I needed to administer this same gentleness that I was showing toward my daughter toward EVERYONE, ALL THE TIME! God is so amazing and has such a clear way of getting things through to us.


In gentleness we draw people near to us. People have a way of letting down their guards when they see that we have a genuine care and concern for them. This is the perfect opportunity to allow the power of God to shine through you. We have to take advantage of every moment. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We have power in our tongue. We have the choice to say the right thing or the wrong thing. I have learned from experience that gentleness leads to peace and there is nothing like peace everywhere you go! But in order to exhibit gentleness and have peace we must have love in our hearts for one another.

I will leave you with this, "2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NIV)
24And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."

Be blessed and have a wonderful day!

Love,
Tarrah