Fruits of the Spirit: Gentleness

Galatians 5:22-23

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Gentleness sounds similar to another Fruit of the Spirit recently discussed here at Heaven On Wheels — Kindness. In fact, one definition of gentleness is “the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered”. So why did Paul call gentleness out as a separate Fruit of the Spirit?

In a more Biblical sense, gentleness can be translated as “meekness”, as in “blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meek does not mean weak; instead, it means being humble and thankful toward God, and exhibiting polite and restrained behavior towards others.

How does this trait appear to people interacting with those imbued with the Holy Spirit? They see followers of Christ as peaceful, forgiving, and humble.

As the Holy Spirit transforms your Christian life, gentleness reshapes you into a peaceful stream instead of a raging river.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬

Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash