Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and GENTLE…

Where does gentleness start?

Gentleness is an inward trait that is not common to man in his lost state. A baby begins to understand the world revolves around them and is subject to them. The child starts to fight for dominance as they grow. If unchecked, the child will grow up selfish, manipulative, mean, and disrespectful to all. If the parents have a gentle spirit, they teach the child to grow in obedience, sharing, and kindness. It is a learned trait. Gentleness comes from teaching and an example.

Matthew 11:29 29 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.

A change of perspective

The more we grow in the knowledge of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our character, the more like Christ we become. It is a change of our perspective of the world. Growing in Christ means looking at the world and others differently. We see situations more as Christ saw them. We begin to see people who earlier in our Christian walk we might profile them as rude and mean. Now we see them as broken people in search of hope. Instead of us reacting to their behavior, we respond out of our hearts. The trigger is love for others.  We become more gentle because our perspective about the world has changed. We begin to pray for our enemies. We begin to treat others with kindness because of our heart’s view. Our prayers in the morning are for people God has put in our lives and our hearts. We begin to love the world with a taste of God’s love. Our gentleness is not natural. It is a transformation from God’s Word, Christ’s cleaning power, and a gift of the Holy Spirit.

 Gentle Scriptures

Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”

Galatians 5:22-23 “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”

1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”.

Galatians 6:1 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”.

Titus 3:1-2 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone”.

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger” .

Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit”.

Let your lightnside reflect the gentleness God is giving you this week.