Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matt. 5:5.  Meekness means to not be easily provoked.  It is being gracious and kind with controlled strength.  A person who is truly meek bears God’s likeness and is easily directed by God.  At the same time he has great spiritual strength.

Being gentle or meek is not a weakness.  A river under control has great power.  So does a fire.  Meekness is power and strength. (Billy Graham)

Meekness and gentleness is a form love.  It is one of Jesus’ qualities.  He handled people with gentleness, but was always truthful.  He is our perfect role model.  There were times for tough love and times for gentleness.  Whenever He was insulted or falsely accused, Jesus was a model of restraint.  He never lashed out in anger, but always had a gentle word to those who attacked Him.

If you are a gentle person, people with gravitate toward you.  We are to be humble and considerate of others and submissive to God and His Word.  We are to be even-tempered.  Don’t you love being around a gentle person?

In today’s world we think meekness is not a good quality.  This is a characteristic that best distinguishes Christianity.  It is an attitude toward God that shows in gentleness toward others.  It’s an attitude of submission.  It is love of the things of God and others.  The meek are not those who never feel angry, but those who control it.

How can we have gentleness?  Be submissive to the will of God.  We have to have a teachable spirit and be willing to learn.  We need to be considerate of others by putting ourselves in their shoes and empathizing with them.  We need to help those who are struggling.  We also need to be forgiving.  In everything we do, we should strive to display a gentle spirit.

Rewards for the Meek -

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matt. 5:5

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” – Ps. 37:11.

“The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.” – Ps 22:26.

“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with salvation.” – Ps 149:4.

The fruit of gentleness will bring real blessings to us.  So use this fruit in you life.

Next time we will talk more about the last characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, which is self-control.  Hope to see you here.

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