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Message Notes
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22-23
The Fruit of the Spirit is the character of Jesus that the Holy Spirit produces in you.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples…” —John 15:8
What is Gentleness?
• Gentleness is not weakness.
• Gentleness is strength under control.
How Is Gentleness Lived Out in Our Daily Lives?
When we are gentle:
• We are understanding, not demanding.
• We are caring, not overbearing.
Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus… —Philippians 2:4-5
“He who remained above and beyond the power of all created things willfully chose to set aside the divine independence He had enjoyed throughout eternity past. He who created gravity willfully chose to come under the laws of gravity. Christ could have continued his divine existence without ever experiencing hunger or death, but he willfully came to the world He had formed, to become a servant, to live as a man, and to die a cruel, humiliating death on the cross. There was no boasting or cry of, “I’m above this!” —Chuck Swindoll
Three ways we deal with difficult people.
• We retreat in fear.
• We attack in anger.
• We respond in love.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. —Proverbs 15:1
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. —James 3:16-17
And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 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. —2 Tim. 2:24-25
“In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials liberty, but in all things charity.” —St. Augustine
• We are teachable, not unreachable.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… —James 1:19
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding… —Proverbs 3:13
• We act, not react.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? —Matthew 26:52-53
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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:29-30
What Are the Results of a Life of Gentleness?
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. —Psalm 25:9
The Lord lifts up the meek: he casts the wicked down to the ground. —Psalm 147:6
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. —Psalm 149:4
“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.” —Matthew 5:5
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. —Psalm 149:4