Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Fruit of the Spirit of GENTLENESS

I. The Meaning of Gentleness

A. Gentleness (prautes) means mildness of disposition, a submissiveness of spirit, kindness, humility.

B. It is also translated as “meekness.” (Matthew 5:5)

C. Gentleness has two applications—toward God and toward other people.

D. Gentleness or meekness has nothing to do with weakness.

II. The Source of Gentleness

A. God speaks to His people in a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:12)

1 Kings 19:12 (NIV) – [12] After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a GENTLE whisper.

B. It was prophesied that the Messiah would be recognized for His gentleness. (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5)

Zechariah 9:9 (NIV) – [9] Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, GENTLE and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 21:5 (NIV) – [5] “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, GENTLE and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

C. Jesus identified Himself as one who by nature is gentle. (Matthew 11:29)

Matthew 11:29 (NIV) – [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.

III. The Practice of Gentleness

A. Christians are to exhibit that same quality of gentleness and meekness of Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 10:1; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12)

2 Corinthians 10:1 (NIV) – [1] By the meekness and GENTLENESS of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away!

Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) – [2] Be completely humble and GENTLE; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) – [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, GENTLENESS and patience.

B. Gentleness produces peace and calms quarrels. (Proverbs 15:1)

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) – [1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

C. Gentleness is crucial in restoring those who have been caught up in sin. (Galatians 6:1)

Galatians 6:1 (NIV) – [1] Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him GENTLY. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

D. The person of God will gently instruct those who oppose him and the truth. (2 Timothy 2:25)

2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV) – [24] And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. [25] Those who oppose him he must GENTLY instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

E. Effective witnessing requires gentleness and respect for the unbeliever. (1 Peter 3:15)

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) – [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and respect.