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Home Search Topics Contact About | A Heavenly VirtueGalatians 5:22 The fruit of the Spirit is... gentleness.
Read Galatians 5:19-23. We ought to count it one of the supreme gifts of God*s grace that He designs to take something that is part of His nature, such as gentleness, and make it ours through the indwelling Holy Spirit. There is a gentleness that is yielding and pliable, as in Titus 3:2—*To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.* Then there is a gentleness characterized by mildness and affection, as in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, where Paul spoke of his ministry: *We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.* There is also a gentleness that prepares the way for effective teaching: Paul exhorted young Timothy, *The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves* (2 Tim. 2:24). Advancement and greatness evidently come through gentleness: *Thy gentleness hath made me great,* said the psalmist (Ps. 18:35). As anyone knows who has walked with the Lord for a while, the way up... is down! *Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord,* said James, *and He shall lift you up* (James 4:10). Peter echoed the same sentiment: *Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time* (1 Peter 5:6). Interestingly enough, the word we find in Galatians 5:22 comes from a root that means useful! You want God to use you? Let His Holy Spirit make you gentle! This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages at www.walkwiththeking.org. Used with written permission. |
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