Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.  (Galatians 5:22-23)

I am working on a series on my blog on the Fruit of the Spirit. I am going to take one per entry. This entry is on Gentleness.

Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

According to BibleGateway.com the word gentleness is used 6 times in the NIV and 4 times in the KJV. I also decided to check the Amplified Bible and it shows the word 11 times in the Bible. Now if we just use the word “gentle”, which will include gentleness, etc., it shows 22 times in the NIV; 9 in the KJV; and 26 in the Amplified.

Gentleness, being soft, kind, courteous, etc. We are to be gentle to one another.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.(Matthew 11:29)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(Philippians 4:5)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

¹ Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:1-2)

³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

The above verses share being gentle, showing gentleness toward one another. If we are gentle to one another, wrath turns away. Showing gentleness shows a calming. Also when we are showing gentleness, we show a calming in our souls. Just like the other Fruits of the Spirit, gentleness is an act of love as well. It involved love. We are to show gentleness to everyone, it doesn’t matter who they are, what they have done to you. If you show gentleness to another, that same gentleness will be repaid back to you. True beauty is found within a person. Christ judges us by our hearts, by our actions. It doesn’t matter what we look like, what we wear, etc. Our inside is what counts, we should show that gentleness coming out from us. When we witness about Christ and what he has done for us, we are to witness with a gentle, loving heart. Showing respect for Christ.

How are some ways we can show gentleness to one another? 

How has someone showed gentleness to you?

Please feel free to share your comments below.

Check out the complete Fruit of the Spirit Series.

Fruit of the Spirit – Series

About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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