Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeSýnishorn

GENTLENESS Toward Everyone

Read Titus chapter 3 verses 1-7

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Reflection on the passage:
I watched with admiration the way that the vet handled our standard poodle Bingley when we took him in recently for a skin issue. Bingley had growled at his family when we tried to examine the spot on the underside of his tail that he had licked raw. But the vet spoke to Bingley softly and empathetically, got down on his knees, and touched him gently. She was able to complete her examination and get him the treatment he needed. Isn’t it so often true of us that when we are most difficult to handle – because of feeling hurt, angry, or vulnerable – gentleness can be to us a healing balm. In his letter to Titus, Paul tells Christians to be gentle with everyone, and this includes those who might seem most difficult to love.

The Greek word translated as “gentleness” here in Titus (and in the fruits of the Spirit list in Galatians 5) includes the idea of humility – like the vet kneeling down to meet Bingley at eye level. Other similar qualities that Paul mentions in these two verses involve being submissive, peaceable, and considerate. This is the opposite of spewing out harsh, slanderous words that only further exacerbate wounds.

When we are tempted to respond impatiently or harshly to someone whom we think is being difficult, whether an employee, boss, child, spouse, family member, neighbor, or member of our congregation, it’s time to take a pause. Paul tells us to remember what we were like when Christ came to us in an outpouring of kindness and love. He saved us not because of our good behavior, but because of His mercy. Right into the midst of our ugly sin and mess, Jesus came and washed us. He saved us and gave us new birth, pouring out His renewing Spirit upon us generously and graciously making us heirs of eternal life!

Even as we continue to struggle with our own ugly behaviors, as well as our failure at times to be gentle to those who need it most, we must remember that we are ever dependent on Christ’s mercy and kindness. Like a vet treating an animal with tender care, Jesus calms our wounded hearts and invites us into His love. Then as we spend more and more time with Jesus, the Holy Spirit grows the fruit of gentleness in us, enabling us to extend to others the gentleness that Christ has extended to us.

Focus verses for prayerful reflection:
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus chapter 3 verses 1 and 2)

1. Take some time to come to Jesus just as you are right now. Know that as you rest in His love and gentleness you can unburden yourself of sins, hurts, or whatever is filling your mind.
2. After a time of receiving His love, read these two verses and welcome the Holy Spirit’s invitation to be gentle with someone in your life who is especially needing that tender care.