Fruit Of The Spirit- Gentleness

To conclude November, we take a look at the penultimate fruit listed in Galatians 5 which is "Gentleness."

Gentleness is surely a gift. A gentle response may not be a natural reaction for most people but this supernatural choice carries divine power. Gentleness moves and inspires hearts, it empowers our speech and helps restore those who’ve gone astray. Gentle words reveal wisdom, they empower godly leadership and are a precious thing in the sight of God. Gentleness helps us experience and reflect Jesus because He is gentle. Gentleness is godly.

I pray this little poem and the Food for thought section afterwards can bless you today. Much love, Lucy x x

Galatians 5:22-25
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Fruit Of Focus- Gentleness

"Gracious Father, Gentle Saviour, Lord You have been good to me.
Jesus, You have saved my soul and called me to a life that’s free!
Help me Lord, to serve Your people. Keep my heart in check, I pray.
Since I now live by the Spirit, may I walk in step each day.

May I have a calm demeanour, let it glow for all to see.
Fill me with Your gentleness so others find this trait in me.
Gentle interactions serve to strengthen bonds and build up trust.
Helping people know they’re valued and respected is a must.

If I’m faced with opposition, let me not respond in kind.
Gentle words can open doors, a helpful truth to keep in mind.
May I counter flesh and culture, how disarming this can be!
Help me deal with others gently for You gently deal with me."


Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

1 Timothy 6:6-11
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”


Food For Thought
Gentleness is surely a gift. A gentle response may not be a natural reaction for most people but this supernatural choice carries divine power. Gentleness moves and inspires hearts, it empowers our speech and helps restore those who’ve gone astray. Gentle words reveal wisdom, they empower godly leadership and are a precious thing in the sight of God. Gentleness helps us experience and reflect Jesus because He is gentle. Gentleness is godly.

As Psalm 18:35 tells us,
“Your gentleness has made me great.”

“A soft answer turns away wrath,” is what we read in Proverbs 15:1 and this can be such a powerful and disarming way to break the cycle of hostility. Choosing to restrain the flesh when faced with provocation can prevent unnecessary stress and conflict. It’s not always the easy thing to do and in fact, takes great strength of character and self-control but it can certainly serve to diffuse the tension and calm a situation.

A gentle response sets a godly example for others to follow and promotes a peaceful, positive environment where communication is open and dialogue can be met with respect. A gentle reaction can quickly disarm an aggressor and open the door for much more constructive and mature interaction.

As I mentioned earlier, gentleness, when seeking to restore someone who has fallen into sin is imperative. Let’s think about things in medical terms. If we have suffered a physical break and are in a painful, vulnerable position, a gentle physician is what all of us would desire. If we were the ones in that hospital bed with a broken bone, none of us would want a harsh, careless Doctor whose aggressive manner adds even more pain to an already upsetting experience.

Of course, to repair any break, there’s inevitably going to be a level of pain we have to endure but a tender, loving heart and gentle bedside manner can make all the difference.
It stands to reason then that if it’s us who are dealing with someone who is in a broken, painful state, this is not the time for harsh words and aggressive actions. God’s Word calls us to be gentle, humble and loving in this scenario, knowing that we too may be the broken ones needing restoration one day. As Galatians 6:1-2 exhorts us,

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Questions For Personal Reflection

Am I gentle with myself and others? How do I treat people who disappoint, annoy or frustrate me? How do I speak to those who have fallen into sin? If someone is verbally aggressive towards me, do I respond in the same way to them? Is it in my nature to be gentle or is this something I have to ask God to help me with? In a world where gentleness is very rare to find, do I think going against the grain could be a witness for the Lord?