A Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

As I prepared for our ladies group, which 

will meet after our fellowship meal this afternoon,

I was reminded of some wonderful truths about

this particular Fruit of the Spirit.

It is one that I desire to grow more evidence of.

Gentleness has been defined as "softness of manners, 

mildness of temper, sweetness of disposition; meekness,

tenderness".  I cannot find the online dictionary source

I used for this...

but it is similar in many.

In the case of Galatians 5 we see that it is one of the evidences

that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives.  

Our ladies group will discuss how gentleness impacts our lives

at home, in our communities, and in our church.

Some of the scripture passages we will look at are:

Ephesians 4:1-6

As it relates to other Believers:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

From Philippians 4

Gentleness is a result of a certain knowledge

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -  if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

There are several other passages that we will look at today.

Some for encouragement with our spouses and children,

others as a testimony to others.

But if this is something that you have an interest in cultivating and an area where you would like to produce more Godly fruit I encourage you to do a little study for yourself.  It surprised me to see how many times the word gentle or gentleness is used in the Bible. 

I am looking forward to the discussion and the results we will enjoy with each other and in our families as we intentionally put these truths into practice in our daily lives.