The Fruit of the Spirit Part 8

How do we know that Jesus, Immanuel (God-with-us), is really with us? Paul answers that question beautifully in his letter to the disciples in Galatia who must have been wondering the same thing. Paul writes: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we experience any of these gifts in our daily lives, we know that Christ’s Spirit is at work.

The eighth fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. To be gentle is to be humble, to be thoughtful and respectful, to resist judgment (God’s job) and embrace love of God, neighbor, and self (our job), to be a careful listener, and to put the needs of the other above our own.

Paul described discipleship as an act of gentleness: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5). Trusting Christ’s near presence and allowing Christ to lead the way, liberates and empowers us to let gentleness prevail in our thoughts, words, and actions. Furthermore, it produces rejoicing to be gentle.

Gentleness is a winsome expression of Christ’s living Spirit in our lives. People are drawn to a gentle spirit. Let this gift flourish and pay attention to the influence for Christ you can make.

Yours in Christ,

Marc