But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
Hello again. Thanks for joining us for worship this morning. We are in the 9th week of our study on “the Fruit of the Spirit”. For the past several Sundays we have been analyzing the various nutrients, or characteristics, contained within the fruit of the Spirit. Each of these attributes are essential to us as we seek to display Christlikeness in our lives. This morning’s topic is gentleness.
I. GENTLENESS DEFINED
Gentleness can be defined as “humble, calm, and non-threatening”. It is a humble and non-threatening demeanor which derives from a position of strength and authority. It involves both sensitivity and compassion toward others. Gentleness is the opposite of harshness and is helpful in calming another’s anger (Proverbs 15:1). A gentle person doesn’t argue, but rather will seek to correct others tenderly when necessary. The Greek term used in the New Testament for gentleness is prautes.
Gentleness is often compared to and translated as meekness. Both are characterized by a soft temper, mildness, and forbearance. A meek person is willing to accept and/or submit to the will of another without complaint or resistance. Sometimes, gentleness or meekness is mistaken to mean weakness. However, this is a misconception, as true gentleness requires tremendous strength. One of the popular definitions of meekness in the Bible is “strength under control”.
Gentleness shares many of its qualities with other attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. It involves a degree of love, kindness, patience, and self-control. I differentiate gentleness in this way… While these other attributes emphasize types of behaviors, practices, or actions, gentleness focuses on the manner or tone with which they are carried out. In other words, gentleness is not so much about the specific things we do and say, but rather the way or approach with which we do and say them.
II. GENTLENESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
The Old Testament prophet Zechariah foresaw the Messiah coming to his people as a gentle king, riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). The apostle Matthew cited this prophecy when describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). Jesus once referred to Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Later, Paul aspired to model the “meekness and gentleness” of Jesus as he contended with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 10:1). In each of these verses, Jesus is clearly described as being gentle and modeling gentleness.
Perhaps one of the most poignant displays of Jesus’ gentleness is seen in His dealings with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Him, leveled their accusations against her, and expressed their intent to stone her for her sin. Jesus calmly and quietly answered their charges by saying, “He who is without sin may throw the first stone.” As He wrote on the ground with His finger, one by one her accusers dropped their stones and walked away. Finally, Jesus spoke gently to the woman and told her to go and “sin no more”.
Jesus’ gentleness was also evident in the manner with which He stood before the Jewish and Roman courts prior to His execution. Though falsely accused, insulted, and slandered He remained silent and non-combative. When He did speak, He did so gently and without malice. He spoke the truth, yet had no desire to provoke anger. Jesus was as gentle as a lamb before its shearer (Acts 8:32).
III. GENTLENESS COMMANDED
As Christians, we are called to display gentleness towards others. Paul noted this is virtually all of his epistles. In Philippians he wrote that we should let our gentle spirits be known, because the Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). In Ephesians, he urged believers to walk in a manner of humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:2). In Colossians, he stated that those who have been chosen by God should put on a heart of gentleness (Colossians 3:12). There are many other similar verses found in Scripture.
Whenever we are rebuked or chastised, most of us prefer that the correction be given gently and constructively. In fact, many will not respond to criticism or punishment that is mean-spirited or harsh. The Bible teaches us a God’s children to restore those caught in wrongdoing with gentleness (Galatians 6:1). To this end, Paul urged the Corinthians to readily receive and implement his written disciplinary instructions, so that he could return to them with a spirit of gentleness rather than of agitation (1 Corinthians 4:21).
Gentleness is absolutely critical for effective evangelism and apologetics. Peter advised Christians to always be prepared to defend the truths of Scripture and ready to give an account for the hope they have in Christ Jesus. That said, whenever we do so, our words must be tempered with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Otherwise, we might actually do more harm than good and push people away from Jesus. In other words, how we speak is just as important as what we say.
CONCLUSION
Jesus began His famous “Sermon on the Mount'' with a list of statements that are known as the Beatitudes. They have taken on this name because they describe what our attitude as Christians should be. Among them Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). God bestows His favor on those who are mild and humble, declaring that they will be the recipients of His eternal kingdom.
The Bible says that a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4). Everything we do and say as believers should be seasoned with gentleness. As we boldly and courageously proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and confront the darkness of sin, may we do so with a gentle and compassionate disposition that is pleasing to the LORD. As we minister to the lost, hurting, and needy, may we do so gently. As we encourage and support other Christians, may our words and deeds always be gentle and gracious.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness… We have only one more nutrient left to cover. Next week will conclude our series on the fruit of the Spirit with a final message about self-control.
Hello again. Thanks for joining us for worship this morning. We are in the 9th week of our study on “the Fruit of the Spirit”. For the past several Sundays we have been analyzing the various nutrients, or characteristics, contained within the fruit of the Spirit. Each of these attributes are essential to us as we seek to display Christlikeness in our lives. This morning’s topic is gentleness.
I. GENTLENESS DEFINED
Gentleness can be defined as “humble, calm, and non-threatening”. It is a humble and non-threatening demeanor which derives from a position of strength and authority. It involves both sensitivity and compassion toward others. Gentleness is the opposite of harshness and is helpful in calming another’s anger (Proverbs 15:1). A gentle person doesn’t argue, but rather will seek to correct others tenderly when necessary. The Greek term used in the New Testament for gentleness is prautes.
Gentleness is often compared to and translated as meekness. Both are characterized by a soft temper, mildness, and forbearance. A meek person is willing to accept and/or submit to the will of another without complaint or resistance. Sometimes, gentleness or meekness is mistaken to mean weakness. However, this is a misconception, as true gentleness requires tremendous strength. One of the popular definitions of meekness in the Bible is “strength under control”.
Gentleness shares many of its qualities with other attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. It involves a degree of love, kindness, patience, and self-control. I differentiate gentleness in this way… While these other attributes emphasize types of behaviors, practices, or actions, gentleness focuses on the manner or tone with which they are carried out. In other words, gentleness is not so much about the specific things we do and say, but rather the way or approach with which we do and say them.
II. GENTLENESS EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST
The Old Testament prophet Zechariah foresaw the Messiah coming to his people as a gentle king, riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). The apostle Matthew cited this prophecy when describing Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). Jesus once referred to Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Later, Paul aspired to model the “meekness and gentleness” of Jesus as he contended with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 10:1). In each of these verses, Jesus is clearly described as being gentle and modeling gentleness.
Perhaps one of the most poignant displays of Jesus’ gentleness is seen in His dealings with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The scribes and Pharisees brought her to Him, leveled their accusations against her, and expressed their intent to stone her for her sin. Jesus calmly and quietly answered their charges by saying, “He who is without sin may throw the first stone.” As He wrote on the ground with His finger, one by one her accusers dropped their stones and walked away. Finally, Jesus spoke gently to the woman and told her to go and “sin no more”.
Jesus’ gentleness was also evident in the manner with which He stood before the Jewish and Roman courts prior to His execution. Though falsely accused, insulted, and slandered He remained silent and non-combative. When He did speak, He did so gently and without malice. He spoke the truth, yet had no desire to provoke anger. Jesus was as gentle as a lamb before its shearer (Acts 8:32).
III. GENTLENESS COMMANDED
As Christians, we are called to display gentleness towards others. Paul noted this is virtually all of his epistles. In Philippians he wrote that we should let our gentle spirits be known, because the Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). In Ephesians, he urged believers to walk in a manner of humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:2). In Colossians, he stated that those who have been chosen by God should put on a heart of gentleness (Colossians 3:12). There are many other similar verses found in Scripture.
Whenever we are rebuked or chastised, most of us prefer that the correction be given gently and constructively. In fact, many will not respond to criticism or punishment that is mean-spirited or harsh. The Bible teaches us a God’s children to restore those caught in wrongdoing with gentleness (Galatians 6:1). To this end, Paul urged the Corinthians to readily receive and implement his written disciplinary instructions, so that he could return to them with a spirit of gentleness rather than of agitation (1 Corinthians 4:21).
Gentleness is absolutely critical for effective evangelism and apologetics. Peter advised Christians to always be prepared to defend the truths of Scripture and ready to give an account for the hope they have in Christ Jesus. That said, whenever we do so, our words must be tempered with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Otherwise, we might actually do more harm than good and push people away from Jesus. In other words, how we speak is just as important as what we say.
CONCLUSION
Jesus began His famous “Sermon on the Mount'' with a list of statements that are known as the Beatitudes. They have taken on this name because they describe what our attitude as Christians should be. Among them Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). God bestows His favor on those who are mild and humble, declaring that they will be the recipients of His eternal kingdom.
The Bible says that a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4). Everything we do and say as believers should be seasoned with gentleness. As we boldly and courageously proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and confront the darkness of sin, may we do so with a gentle and compassionate disposition that is pleasing to the LORD. As we minister to the lost, hurting, and needy, may we do so gently. As we encourage and support other Christians, may our words and deeds always be gentle and gracious.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness… We have only one more nutrient left to cover. Next week will conclude our series on the fruit of the Spirit with a final message about self-control.