Ever noticed how gentleness is related to power? When we see a lion cub nestling against its mother, we don’t say, “what a gentle cub.” We reserve that for the long-toothed, big-pawed lioness cleaning her cub. “What a gentle mother.” We admire her strength because it’s under control.
God knows the fruit of gentleness shows His strength in us. He says, “let your gentleness be evident to all.” (Phil 4:5) Does He say that because He wants to be evident in us?
Why else does He want us to practice gentleness? Because He’s love. He cares about how we treat our children, and commands us not to be harsh with them. (Eph 6:4) He says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov 15:1)
When we’re angry, the ol’ flesh wants to lash out, but God says, Be gentle and kind. Be set apart from the world. Be like Me and watch ~ you might even win people over by your good behavior.
So how do we cultivate this healthy fruit of gentleness? We must “remain in the vine.” (Rom 5:4) It’s a matter of feeding, growing, and resisting satan and the old sin nature.
Strength training comes from resistance. When the cruel winds blow, when we’re provoked and tempted to lose control, we trust in our Source, our Foundation, and choose the spiritual fruit that makes us sweeter, not weaker. Gentleness.
Who has positively affected you with gentleness? We’d love to hear about it or anything related you’d like to share. Have a powerfully gentle day. Gentleness is a feast to your soul. A confidence-revealing comfort.
Hello Cheryl,
Great post!
Just as a branch separated from its supporting vine cannot live, let alone produce any fruit, so we are helpless when were not connected to Jesus, the source of our hope and salvation. John 15:5
Same to you to have a powerfully gentle day!
With Respect,
Slavik G
Thanks, Slavik! There’s nothing better than being connected to Jesus!
I believe so much of the gentleness of Jesus is being ignored in our world. Of course we see it on Christian websites and blogs; but, I’m not experiencing it even with fellow believers. This makes me sad. However, I know God is in control; and, this may just be a sign of the times. I am thankful that we can rely on Jesus to be our source of gentleness. However, I pray our world will turn back to following Christ’s example.
Cheryl, I love the peaceful look of your blog. 🙂
Love in Christ,
Joan
Thanks Joan! You’re right: gentleness almost seems to be a lost art these days. I think the busyness of society makes people more uptight and less gentle. It always amazes me that Jesus had only three years to accomplish the biggest things in His life and ministry but He was always gentle, never hurried. He was the perfect example of Someone who trusted the Father’s Sovereignty.
With “A Friend in the Storm” releasing in just a few weeks, I need a bigger dose of peace, trust, and gentleness than ever!
Thanks for your comment, Joan! I appreciate you!
Love in Christ,
Cheryl
Gentleness!
Of a fact, we cannot have this attribute by our own will and strength, no matter how hard we try. It is a trait of the Holy Spirit and it is only demonstrated when we fully surrender to Him. Human nature teaches us to lose it when things don’t go right. Consider Christ before he was crucified! He was reviled, lied against, spat on, deserted by the apostles, yet he never accused anybody nor tried to defend nor deliver himself even before Pilate. If we are to embrace this trait, we must lose ourselves so as to gain Christ. He said “Take my YOKE upon you and learn of me…”. We have to let Him have His way through us and in us. Remember this saying, “Not my will but thy will be done”.
God bless you all.
Akin
http://www.hopeagainsthope.org.uk
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