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Are You Gentle Minded?
Are You Gentle Minded?
Bearing the fruit of the Spirit is essential to maintaining fellowship with our God. Paul taught that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5.22-23, ESV). Since those who belong to Christ are those who bear fruit, those outside of Christ are those who practice “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these” (Gal. 5.20-21, ESV).
This writer is impressed with the fact that there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit. Paul said elsewhere: “…where there is no law there is no transgression” (Rom. 4.15). It is right and cannot be wrong to practice love, kindness, patience, and things like these for they are divine qualities necessary for one to take part in the divine nature (see 2 Peter 1.3-11). Additionally, the fruit of the Spirit is born out of love, and love encompasses the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, for one to bear the fruit, he must first love God with all his heart and then extend that love to other areas of discipleship.
One quality Paul includes in the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. One who wishes to grow in his faith cannot do so without the use of gentleness – it is imperative to character growth as well as to one’s transformation. For example, the works of the flesh are against gentleness. How can one be gentle when they are filled with hate, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, clamor, bitterness, or malice? Only when a person loves his neighbor can he be gentle. Essentially gentleness isstrength under control. Every person has the strength and the will to hate, to cause strife, and to have outbursts of wrath. However, gentleness goes against that mindset and disposition. Interestingly, not only does this require love, it demands peace, longsuffering and self-control. Notice, then, how the fruit of the Spirit stand or fall together. One either practices that which there is no law against or he is under the influence of that which will keep him from inheriting the kingdom of God.
By bearing the fruit of the Spirit every aspect of the disciple’s life is affected. Let us review some passages that show this truth. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Gal. 6.1). When restoring the erring, Paul calls for strength under control. In another place, we learn that God requires all elders to be of a gentle disposition; otherwise they are not qualified to lead the church (1 Tim. 3.3). Elsewhere we read, “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Tim. 6.11). The man of God will follow gentleness. In fact, in the context, God’s man is to replace an “unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind…” with gentleness! This man will also speak with strength under control, “correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2.25) and will “speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3.2). In relation to this, Peter taught, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3.15).
Oftentimes, we deal with harsh employers, co-workers, family members, etc. Peter tells us, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (1 Peter 2.18). Therefore, to those who do not want peace with you, Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12.18). This will require strength under control. We have the strength to be harsh and unjust in response, but that is not becoming of holy saints (see 1 Peter 2.23). Elsewhere we learn that if a believing woman has an unbelieving husband, her gentle disposition can help lead him to Christ (1 Peter 3.4). This shows us how crucial it is to bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Our spirit of gentleness, or lack thereof, can help determine their salvation. Concerning our attitudes, Paul says that we can only maintain unity with a proper attitude that is coupled with humility, gentleness, and patience (Eph. 4.2).
The fruit of the Spirit is wisdom from above (James 3.17). Thankfully, we serve a gentle Father who loves us and sustains us. Therefore, He demands that His children’s “gentleness be known to all men” (Phil. 4.5). If you have not experienced the gentleness that God offers, why won’t you start by coming to Jesus? He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11.28-29). BG
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