The Fruit of the Spirit: “Gentleness”

Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB)

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.

So far we have looked at love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. We have two more characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit left, gentleness and self-control. Today we are examining… GENTLENESS.

Key truths to keep in mind as we study the Fruit of the Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit is the source of the Fruit of the Spirit.

(v. 22) “…the fruit OF THE SPIRIT……

It is not the fruit of the Christian, it is the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit produces it in us and His power also gives us the ability to bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives

2. There is only one Fruit of the Spirit.

(v. 22) “But the FRUIT…”

It is a singular in the English and the Greek. It is a singular fruit with 9 distinct aspects: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control…”

We can’t pick and choose.

They all require the others. You can’t have one without the rest.

[Read the text]:

Titus 3:1–11 (NASB)

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

We need to ask ourselves three questions regarding the gentleness of God that Holy Spirit wants to produce in our lives.

First, ask yourself…

Do I know the gentleness of God?

(v. 3-7) 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life

***Gentleness is the outworking of God’s mercy and grace***

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

GEN'TLENESS, noun [See Gentle.] Dignity of birth. [Little Used.] 1. Genteel behavior. 2. Softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness goodness, faith.” Galatians 5:22. 3. Kindness; benevolence. 4. Tenderness; mild treatment.

In the Greek, the word for translated “gentle” is the same word translated “meek”.

Galatians 5:23 (KJV)

23 Meekness [Gentleness]…

MEEK, adjective [Latin mucus; Eng. mucilage; Heb. to melt.]

1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.

“Now the man Moses was very meek above all men.” Numbers 12:3.

2. Appropriately, humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, “Learn of me, for I am meek…” Matthew 11:29

If we have humbly accepted the gift of God’s mercy and grace, then through the power of the Holy Spirit we will be gentle.

Gentleness is meekness. But don’t be mistaken, meekness isn’t weakness. It is actually restrained strength and power.

(Illus.: holding a baby securely without crushing it.)

Gentleness comes from God the Spirit because God is gentle.

(v. 5-7) 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life

Romans 6:23 (NASB)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 78:37–38 (NASB)

37 For their heart was not steadfast toward Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. 38 But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; and often He restrained His anger and did not arouse all His wrath.

[That’s gentleness! Restrained power and strength. The outpouring of God’s mercy and grace!]

Matthew 11:29 (NASB)

29 “…I am gentle and humble in heart…”

Galatians 5:22–23 (NASB)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is … 23 gentleness…

Gentleness, if we could boil it down to its most basic applicable concept, is the mercy and grace of God, manifested in us, applied to our relationships with others.

If we know the gentleness of God, we will understand our need for Him to be Gentle with us. The result will gratitude, humility and God’s gentleness in us, toward others.

Do you know the gentleness of God?

Second, ask yourself…

Do I show the gentleness of God?

Just as God showed gentleness toward us, we are to show gentleness toward others.

5 …His mercy…

7 …His grace…

6 …poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

(v. 1-2) 1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Is this how we treat other people?

Philippians 4:5 (NASB)

5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Gentleness is showing love, mercy and grace toward others, just as God has been gentle toward us.

Ephesians 4:2 (ESV)

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…

Love and patience is required.

If we lose our patience with someone we often will say something unkind or harsh… that’s not gentleness:

Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

- A gentle answer comes from a place of love and goodness.

- A gentle answer seeks peace.

- A gentle answer is a form of kindness.

- A gentle answer requires patience and self-control.

1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…

Notice the humility required. Give a defense, but gently.

If we are showing gentleness, there are things we are going to avoid…

(v. 9-11) 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Galatians 6:1 (NASB)

1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Gentleness lovingly corrects.

It shows a respect for others, even when undeserved because it is the outpouring of God’s mercy and grace.

2 Timothy 2:25 (NASB)

25 …with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth…

Gentleness, if it errs, will err on the side of grace.

If we are going to make a mistake in how we deal with someone, may it be that we are too gentle, not too harsh.

That’s not weakness! That’s power and strength under control!

Do you show the gentleness of God in your life?

Lastly, ask yourself…

Am I growing in the gentleness of God?

Matthew 5:5 (NASB)

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

God wants us to learn from Him and grow in His gentleness.

Matthew 11:29 (NASB)

29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…

(v. 8) 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

The early stages of gentleness are external. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be gentle and in obedience, we are gentle toward others because we know that’s what God has commanded us.

As God grows us in gentleness, it changes how we see other people. The gentleness of God transforms our heart and mind.

(v. 1) 1 Remind them …

James 3:13 (NASB)

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Romans 12:3 (NASB)

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think…

Philippians 2:3 (NASB)

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…

Psalm 18:35 (NASB)

35 …Your gentleness makes me great.

Are you growing in the gentleness of God?

1 Timothy 6:11 (NASB)

11 …pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

(v. 9-11) 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Doesn’t this see like a lack of gentleness?

Understand, this is the last resort. After everything else has been tried. After everything we have talked about so far today has been applied. Then, and only then, does this form of church discipline take place. You hope and pray it never comes to this.

But even here, gentleness must still be present.

Even when someone refuses to grow in the gentleness of God, we must be gentle in our final correction.

Let this also serve as a warning for us. If we will not grow in the gentleness of God, we can expect the righteous discipline of God.

James 4:6 (NASB)

6 … “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

The parable of the unmerciful slave OR

The slave that lacked gentleness:

Matthew 18:21–35 (NASB)

21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26 “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 31 “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. 32 “Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35 “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

In closing:

Do you know the gentleness of God? If you don’t, you can today.

If you know the gentleness of God and have been shown mercy and grace and recieved it from the Lord Jesus by faith, then let me ask you, do you show the gentleness of God toward others?

None of us have mastered gentleness. But are we growing in the gentleness of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ?

God is gently calling us to surrender to Him today.

How will you respond as I pray?

Memory Verse of the Week:

Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.