Gentleness
The bible teaches “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.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
What do we think of when we consider the idea of gentleness? A collective misunderstanding is that gentleness is a sign of weakness or submissiveness. True gentleness, however, is just the reverse, as gentleness involves strength and self-restraint.
Gentleness is derived from a state of humility. Someone who lacks gentleness is often prideful and annoyed and feels the need for retaliation. In order to be gentle we must not view ourselves as superior to someone else. Instead of declaring supremacy, someone who is gentle wants to support others, even when they have been wronged.
Gentleness is likely the least talked about fruit of the spirit. Although it is often overlooked it is one of the most significant character traits of people who desire to live in a Godly manner. We have the propensity to pigeonhole gentle folks as weaklings. Conversely, gentleness is actually the outcome of conveying great strength under control. In the Bible, the sturdiest people are those who dare to be gentle. The best example of this is Jesus. Jesus vigorously states “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)
So, to be gentle or meek is to be God-wrought, Christ-shaped, and Holy Spirit-absorbed.
Further, gentleness is the inclination to accept limitations and ailments without taking out our annoyance on others. It illustrates gratitude for the tiniest service offered and acceptance for those who do not serve us well. It puts up with troublesome, irritating and frustrating people, and It speaks gently in the face of aggravation. It can be silent or calm, as composed silence is often the most articulate comeback to unkind words.
As the children at Toronto City Mission’s Kids in Community after school program learn about the Importance of building bridges, it is with much hope and prayer that they recognize that God’s gift of gentleness as described in the fruits of the spirit will be a simple pathway towards each bridge that life may lead them to. May the vital characteristics of gentleness; being God wrought, Christ shaped and Holy Spirit absorbed, lift the children to face both the difficult challenges of life as well as help them celebrate the joys of God’s grace.
“….to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”