Fruit of the Spirit/Gentleness

 

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

         We know our God is mighty, powerful, omnipotent and just. He is also gentle. When the prophet Elijah became exhausted and fearful, hiding in a cave, and ready for death, the Lord wanted to speak to him. First a mighty wind tore apart the mountain and after the wind, an earthquake, but God was not in either. Read this:

After the earthquake, came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12

     When we are living in fear or doubt or despair, we would love to hear the powerful voice of God telling us what to do next or how to get out of our mess. His voice often comes in a whisper, rather than a shout. Is it just me, or does it seem like more people are shouting, that the world appears to be filled with harsh words and anger? A gentle touch and a kind word can stand out among the harshness and anger around us.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

     Are you under a heavy burden today and could use that gentle touch? Here is what Jesus says:

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.  Matthew 11:28-29

     We can, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit in us, bear with one another, just as Jesus promised He would do for us.  Our friendly neighbors Joyful Jenny and Kind Kate have been doing just that with Crabby Cathy. And they will continue to walk with her as she grows in her new-found faith in Jesus.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient; bearing with one another in love.  Ephesians 4:2

Dear Lord,

You lighten our loads when we are burdened. It might be with a gentle touch or a whisper of Your love. Teach us how to bear with one another in love. We can’t do it on our own. We pray we can be different in a harsh and angry world. With the help of Jesus, we can.

Amen