Fruit of the Spirit – Gentleness

Fruit of the Spirit – Gentleness
• God’s purpose in us and for us: to be conformed to the image of his son – Jesus is the perfect
embodiment of the spiritual fruit
• Galatians 5:22-23
Paul don’t walk according to the flesh but walk according to the Spirit – contrast flesh and spirit
What is Paul talking about – gentleness?
▪ Beatitudes: Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek KJV Blessed are the gentle
▪ Meekness is not weakness but strength under control
▪ Horse – great strength but tamed and under control of the reins – the will of the rider
▪ For the Christian it means submission to the will of God, even in the midst of trial.
▪ The gentle person knows his strength but submits that strength to Christ in love.
• Jesus is our example
Matthew 11:29 I am gentle and humble in heart
Isaiah 40:11 like a shepherd with his nursing lambs and their mothers
Paul referred to the gentleness of Christ: 2 Corinthians 10:1
As surely as God’s nature is love, his nature is gentleness Psalm 18:35
• Paul followed the example Christ in his own life
Gentle as a nursing mother 1 Thessalonians 2:7
• Writers (under inspiration of the Holy Spirit) pointed us to a life of gentleness
Peter, the firebrand of Pentecost:
▪ Live with a gentle spirit, precious to God 1 Peter 3:4
▪ Regarding explaining our faith: do it with gentleness 1 Peter 3:15
James, brother of the Lord
▪ Wisdom, not overbearing James 3:13
▪ True Godly wisdom is characterized by gentleness James 3:17
• Encouragement for the Christian
Strength under control (of the Holy Spirit) Like a horse
To help other Christians with humility and gentleness in their troubles Galatians 6:1
Putting up with others with gentleness Ephesians 4:2
Pursuing gentleness as a lifestyle 1 Timothy 6:11
Wearing gentleness as clothing Colossians 3:12
To be known as a gentle people Philippians 4:5
To be a people who are gentle with others Titus 3:2
Even people who don’t agree with us! 2 Timothy 2:25
Because we have our own problems Hebrews 5:2
• People are the sheep of Christ – he died for them. Be careful how you deal with them. Gently!