The Fruit of the Spirit by Rick RennerSample

Meekness and Temperance

Few people think of meekness as a desirable attribute. Most assume that if a person is meek, he must be weak. To these people, a meek person is one who is timid, shy, bashful, or perhaps introverted. But this is a grossly incorrect view of the New Testament word for meekness. In actuality, meekness is one of the strongest attributes a person can possess.

The word “meekness” in Galatians 5:23 comes from the Greek word prautes, which depicts the attitude or demeanor of a person who is forbearing, patient, and slow to respond in anger. It pictures a strong-willed person who has learned to submit his will to a higher authority. He isn’t weak; he is controlled. He may in fact possess a strong will and a powerful character, but this person has learned the secret of how to bring his will under control. 

When meekness is being produced in you by the Holy Spirit, it will make you careful and controlled. Your very presence will become God’s soothing medication for angry, upset people, and you will impart peace to situations that were unstable. 

Meekness has to do with the attitude or demeanor of a person who can control his temper or emotions, but then Paul went on to mention temperance too. What is the difference between these two fruits of the Spirit?

The word “temperance” comes from the Greek words en and kratos. The word en means in, and the word kratos is the Greek word for power. When compounded into one word, these two Greek words form egkrateia, which literally means in control and denotes power over one’s self. It suggests the control or restraint of one’s passions, appetites, and desires. 

A person with temperance maintains a life of moderation and control. Because the Holy Spirit has produced temperance in his life, he is able to say no to overeating, overworking, and over-worrying. God’s Spirit produces in him a discipline that helps him say no to any excesses in the physical realm. So the word egkrateia—“temperance”—could be translated as restraint, moderation, discipline, balance, temperance, or self-control. 

How well are you doing at allowing the Holy Spirit to produce these two spiritual fruits in your life? Take some time today to ask the Holy Spirit to start producing these two powerful attributes in you! 

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