Gentleness of Heart – Fruit Pt 10
Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
22 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, 23 gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT)
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29 NLT) When we submit ourselves to Jesus, he will model gentleness of heart for us, he will be gentle with us, and our souls will flourish in his care.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NLT) God has chosen us to be set apart in and by his love. We clothe ourselves with God-provided garments of gracious goodness. Among the garments he freely provides is tenderhearted, merciful gentleness. Let’s put it on and wear it boldly!
…Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32 NLT) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:2 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17 NLT) This gentleness involves forgiving each other for hurts and wrong. This gentleness includes being patient and making allowances for each other’s faults (because we sure do have some faults, don’t we?!)
25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25 NLT) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) Our gentleness makes it possible for us to engage with difficult people and to defuse explosive situations. It takes gentleness to be a peacemaker!
Prayer:
Father, Gentle-hearted Jesus is my hero! I want to be strong enough to be gentle and not to feel as if I have to prove something. Please help me and my friends to allow the Jesus-Gentleness to flood our souls and fill us with grace enough to share. Amen.