A Fruit In SeasonSample

Gentleness

When I was little, I would try to squeeze Dad’s fingers hard enough to make him react. My body would go rigid with effort long before Dad felt any discomfort. I wasn’t being gentle; I just didn’t have the power to cause him pain. “Now do it to me, Dad!” Dad would give my fingers a quick, tight squeeze. It was obvious that he had the power to hurt but was choosing not to.

Gentleness is not feebleness. It’s strength under control. And it’s a fruit of the Spirit for all those whom God calls to a Christian life. So how are we doing? Parents--are you disciplining gently? Spouses--is there gentleness in your speech? Employers--are you practicing gentle leadership? Friends--do you listen gently? Or are we each using whatever power we have to put the squeeze on others?

Jesus shows us that meekness has its basis in love, not weakness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:28,29).

Learn from Jesus. If you are burdened by the memory of your reckless words, come to Jesus’ cross where those words have been erased. If you are losing your struggle with anger, remember your baptismal waters where your sinful nature was drowned. If you falter in your walk of faith, come to Jesus and be restored by his sweet word of forgiveness; be empowered to choose gentleness.