But the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness …
Summary: Gentleness is the ability to carry an egg without dropping it.
Do you have power?
There are many different kinds of power that people have. Police have the power to arrest people. The media has the power to make people into heroes or shame them into oblivion. Teachers have the power to grant passing grades or fail someone. Waiters and waitresses have the power to serve you well or make your dining experience miserable.
We all have power.
We may not be a judge in a courtroom or a member of Congress but we still have power. For example, consider this word from James:
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5)
You have the power to make someone’s day. You also have the power to bring them down, make them angry, or undermine their self-confidence. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death … .“ While this might sound like hyperbole, it is true. Mark 9:42 tells us:
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”
Isn’t it words that cause people to stumble? And isn’t it words that bring the promise of eternal life?
The “gentleness” that Paul refers to is a form of self-restraint. Even though we have power over people’s lives in what we say and do, the Spirit of God calls us to submit that power to Christ. Allowing Jesus to be in control of our power ensures that it is used for good and not evil. Jesus says:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
When we learn from Jesus, we become like Jesus. His “yoke” is loving us while we are still sinners (Romans 5:8). His gentleness is restraining judgment even though we deserve punishment. Instead of reacting to offense with force, Jesus responds in love.
Do we have power?
Yes.
Does the believer wield power like a sword?
No.
Our power is submitting to the love of Christ, and the fruit of the Spirit transforms our power into the gentle touch of God’s love.
Application: Submit our power to Jesus.
Food for Thought: How does the spiritual fruit of gentleness impact how we relate to people of other faith traditions we disagree with?
I really, really like today’s devotion because you spoke about the power behind gentleness. It is not hard to understand that the lack of gentleness can cause strife. In that sense gentleness is a power to hold strife, stop it from growing.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
But I think the greater power behind gentleness is that one who is consistently gentle in conversation will draw the other person to gentleness. That is where the real conversation can begin. When we talk about bringing Christ into the conversation, it is not only in speaking words about Christ, it is allowing the Holy Spirit to govern the tone. When we invite Him into the conversation, no matter the subject, people will notice His presence.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
1 Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
I have learned, most particularly over the last few weeks, when speaking with others of a different faith, or no faith at all, to not allow sub-textual aggressiveness to steal away the greater message: that God is Holy, righteous, love, and that despite mankind’s rebellion, He loved us enough to send His son to pay for our sins, that His Son willing did this out of love, and that by accepting this gift, we can be reunited with Him, in this life and the next. This is the pillar of conversation, all the other sub-text are like dominos that will fall in time if we stay on the course.
Ephesians 4:15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
In seeking gentleness, in allowing the gentleness of Christ to live through us, we are able to talk about the things that really matter, understand the other person’s point of view, and share our own heart openly.
Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Chris,
You make a lot of great points. One is the idea of getting to where a real conversation can begin. Sometimes that takes a lot of patience!
I also like your phrase, “sub-textual aggressiveness.” We can be honey-sweet on the surface and yet if there is anger on the inside, it will show through.
Thank you!
How does the spiritual fruit of gentleness impact how we relate to people of other faith traditions we disagree with?
I’m with CH!
Believers, Christians, are defined as:
1.) A person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity:
“a born-again Christian”
2.) One who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 12:47 As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
The mission of Jesus Christ is the same today as it was when He physically walked in and ministered to this world, as recorded in our bibles. Our mission as believers remaining in this world, is to submit to Jesus and allow Him, in the power of the Holy Spirit to minister through us to the world around us. We are effective to the degree we become small, allowing Him to become large as He ministers to all brought to us.
Well said, Ron!
You make a great point: “We are effective to the degree we become small, allowing Him (Jesus) to become large…”
Amen!