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.
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.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 1:11 PM
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