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Fruit of the Spirit: GENTLENESS
(kindness)


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

The spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible. --The Desire of Ages, p. 353.

As the dew and the still showers fall upon the withering plants, so let words fall gently when seeking to win men from error. God's plan is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 157.

A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring, and hide a multitude of sins. The revelation of Christ in your own character will have a transforming power upon all with whom you come in contact. Let Christ be daily made manifest in you, and He will reveal through you the creative energy of His words,--a gentle, persuasive, yet mighty influence to re-create other souls in the beauty of the Lord our God.--Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 185. (Christian Service - 241) 

Christ the Master Teacher showed His greatness in a way that was odd to the forceful religious pious Jews. Christ said:

Matthew 5:5 – 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." 

James 3:13 – 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

2 Timothy 2:25 – 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

God wants us to be always calm and forbearing. Whatever course others may pursue, we are to represent Christ, doing as He would do under similar circumstances. Our Saviour's power lay not in a strong array of sharp words. It was His gentleness, His unselfish, unassuming spirit, that made Him a conqueror of hearts. The secret of our success lies in revealing the same spirit. (Publishing Ministry - 96)

Psalm 18:35 – 
35 You give me your shield of victory, 
and your right hand sustains me; 
you stoop down to make me great.

Yes, it is God’s gentleness (kindness) that makes us great! And in His gentleness we too can lead others to His greatness! Do others see you as a gentle, meek person or do they see pride and arrogance?

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

 

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