Fruit of the Spirit: How to Grow in Gentleness

The spiritual discipline of Confession will help us to be gentle with others. In Galatians 6:1, gentleness is mentioned along with an awareness of our own weakness. We will be less inclined to being harsh and stern with others when we see our own sin.

Jesus, in Matthew 7:3-5, painted a word picture of a man with a log stuck in his eye trying to help another person get a piece of sawdust out of his. Jesus was warning us to look at own sin, before we try to help others with theirs.

James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins to one another. Now, confession does not have to be public. It does not have to be to a member of the clergy. It does not have to be expressed to anyone but God. However, sometimes confession before others is not only helpful but necessary for our spiritual health. Confessing our sin before even one other person who can pray for us and hold us accountable can make a big difference in overcoming sin.

The Apostle John, in I John 1:8-10, makes it clear that we all sin. God will forgive us if we confess our sin. Why? Because he is faithful and just, even if we are not. Every believer should memorize I John 1:9 and remind themselves of this often.

So what is involved in true confession? Some common steps of this discipline include: asking the Holy Spirit to examine our life; honestly naming our sin; considering the why and the consequences; being genuinely remorseful; promising to turn from the sin and asking forgiveness.

Fruit of the Spirit: What is Gentleness?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23)

Dictionary Definition: the quality or state of being kind, amiable, free from harshness, sternness or violence; mild of manner and disposition.

The Greek word translated gentleness has no direct English term that expresses the same idea. Some have described it as strength under control. It is the opposite of being self-assertive.

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus said that he was gentle and humble in heart. He is not a harsh or abusive task master. Those who work for him, put on his yoke, will find true rest for their souls.

In I Corinthians 4:21, Paul contrasts being gentle and loving with using a whip.

Galatians 6:1 teaches that we should be gentle in dealing with those caught in sin. Our purpose is to restore them not punish them. At the same time, we should humbly recognize our own weakness.

Gentleness is teamed up with humility, patience and love in Ephesians 4:2.

In describing what God's people should be like in Colossians 3:12, 13, Paul lists gentleness along with compassion, kindness, patience and forgiveness.

Paul instructs Timothy in I Timothy 6:11 to pursue gentleness along with righteousness, godliness, faith, love and endurance.

So this gentleness is a basic Christian trait. Jesus said he was gentle. It is often listed with other common Christian attributes, most often with humility and love. It is putting others first out of love, coming along side them and with kindness assisting them in their Christian journey.