Soft Spoken
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26
As we near the end of our series on the fruits of the spirit, we are looking at gentleness, the next to the last Christian habit to adopt. This one is a little tricky because gentleness to me is very much like kindness. How do you differentiate?
Kindness is an action. When you do something for someone or help them in some way. Gentleness is how you do it. Gentleness is in the Bible several times. Many people look at the Psalms 23 as a demonstration of God’s gentleness toward us. I remember learning the 23rd Psalm in school. When I was called to the back to do my recitation, I was so nervous I would forget all the words. I did not forget and many times this Psalm has given me solace.
During Jesus’ ministry he showed kindness and gentleness to all that he met. In the book of John chapter 8, verses 3-11, Jesus showed gentleness not only to the accused adulterer but to the Pharisees and the crowd that gathered. Quietly he wrote in the sand a message to those demanding her stoning. He did not yell or admonish them but rather with humility and gentleness reminded them that they too were guilty of sin. No one knows what was written except the mob, but whatever it was they turned and left. None could cast the first stone.
Jesus chose to be gentle not just the accused but also the accusers. By treating them gently he made a point that resonated with each of them. Treating people with kindness and gentleness is not always our first reaction. Often, we think the louder and more abrasive we are we will get the point across. However, having gentle words and actions makes an impression. I had a teacher once that spoke very softly. You had to really concentrate to understand her. When she was asked about it, she replied that when you yell children block you out but if you are quiet, they must focus to hear what you are saying. Adults are not different. Speaking gently and with love will entice people to listen rather than be defensive.
Make it a habit to adopt a gentler approach to those you interact with daily.
Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be clear to all. The Lord is near.”
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 