06/08/2026
If you were unable to join us for service yesterday, we encourage you to watch the posted video.
ROOT OF THE FRUIT: GENTLENESS
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
We misunderstand gentleness and its value. We are willing to be gentle until someone gives us a reason to not be gentle. Gentleness is tested in the life of a believer when there are hard situations in our life. Gentleness is not “feminine”, it is actually strength under control.
Matthew 11:29
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The Greek word for Gentleness is πραΰτης (prautēs) — pronounced prah-OO-tace
It carries the idea of: Meekness, Humility, Strength under control
THE FRUIT OF SPIRITUAL GENTLENESS:
*SURRENDERS ITS RIGHTS
Our flesh always wants to be first. Gentleness begins when we stop demanding what we think we have the right to and start trusting in God.
A clear example is in Genesis 13. Abraham and Lott were greatly blessed and their land could no longer support the blessings of both men. The herdsmen were fighting and a choice had to be made. Abraham had every right to the land and to have first choice. He was the elder, the leader of the family and the one who had received God’s covenant promises. Instead, he let Lott choose first. It appeared that Abraham was getting the lesser, but that is not what happened. But Abraham understood when God is guiding your life, you never have to fight for your position or rights.
Flesh - it’s all about my way
Faith - it’s all about God’s way
Philippians 2:5-8
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Of all people, in all of historyJesus possessed every right imaginable yet he willingly laid aside his privileges in order to accomplish his Fathers purposes.
Psalm 37:5
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
When strength bows before God, that’s when Gentleness grows in us.
*SOFTENS OUR RESPONSES
How we communicate with others matters. It’s easy to be kind and gentle when others agree with us. But how do we speak to those who disagree with us? Gentleness is revealed when we are criticized, offended, misunderstood, wounded and get our buttons pushed. It shows up on bad days.
Proverbs 15:1
15 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Sometimes we are more focused on winning the argument and not winning the soul. We should be thinking, "how can I honor God in this situation"?
James 1:19-20
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Galatians 6:1
6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
All spiritual fruit points to Jesus. They all have the characteristics of Jesus. We should be transformed into less like us and more like Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus should show.
Matthew 11:29
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Who was Jesus? A son, a friend, a carpenter who worked with his hands and the Son of God. He was not 50% man and 50% God. He was fully God and fully man. Gentle and lowly in heart.
Are we acting in a way that reflects the character of Christ?
Are we reacting or responding in gentleness?
Are we responding in a way that reflects Jesus?
Are we submitting to the power of God?
Please let us know if we can pray for you or if you need anything from us.
Please let us know if we can pray for you or if you need anything from us.
