Listen to this articleToday, I want to talk to you about the Fruit of the Spirit, specifically the fruit of Gentleness, which is also known as Kindness. This fruit is one of the most important fruits that we should cultivate in our lives. Gentleness is a reflection of the character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
In the Old Testament, we see many examples of Gentleness or Kindness. For instance, in Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant is looking for a wife for Isaac. He meets Rebekah, who goes out of her way to provide water for him and his camels. This act of kindness leads to her becoming Isaac’s wife. In the book of Ruth, we see the story of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth, a Moabite, shows kindness to her mother-in-law by refusing to leave her side and taking care of her. This act of kindness leads to Ruth becoming a part of the lineage of Christ.
In the New Testament, we see many examples of Gentleness or Kindness. For instance, in Matthew 9:36, it says, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Here, we see Jesus having compassion on the people and showing kindness to them by healing them.
The Apostle Paul speaks of Gentleness in Galatians 5:22-23, where he lists the Fruit of the Spirit. Gentleness is a fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit and is essential for our growth and witness.
So what does it mean to be gentle or kind? To be gentle or kind means to show love and concern for others, to be patient, to forgive, and to show compassion. It means treating others with respect and being considerate of their needs. In Proverbs 3:3-4, it says, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
One of the best examples of Gentleness is found in the life of Jesus. He showed kindness to everyone he met, from the woman at the well to the blind man. He showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery and forgave those who crucified him. In 1 Peter 2:21-23, it says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Gentleness or Kindness is a fruit that comes from the God and is essential for us cultivate in our lives. We see many examples of Gentleness in the Old and New Testaments, but the best example is found in the life of Jesus. Let us follow his example and show kindness to all those we meet. Let us be patient, forgiving, and compassionate, treating others with respect and being considerate of their needs. Let us remember Proverbs 3:3-4, which says, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
As we go about our lives, let us remember that we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and to reflect his love to the world around us. We can do this by cultivating the fruit of Gentleness in our lives and by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Let us also remember that showing kindness and compassion to others is not always easy, but it is always the right thing to do. Let us pray for God’s help in showing Gentleness to those around us, and let us trust in his power to transform us more and more into the likeness of his Son.
Finally, let us remember that the fruit of the Spirit is not something that we can produce in our own strength, but it is a result of our relationship with God. As we seek to know him more and to walk in his ways, we will naturally bear the fruit of Gentleness and all the other fruits of the Spirit. Let us, therefore, make it our aim to know him more and to walk in his ways, so that we may bear much fruit for his glory.