A Fruitful LifeSample

My personal interpretation of gentleness would be defined as careful, mild mannered and kind.

When I study biblical gentleness and see what God says, gentleness is so much greater than this interpretation.

The Strong's Concordance defines gentleness, for the believers, as meekness (gentle-force) beginning with the Lord, and finished by His direction and empowerment. It is a divinely-balanced virtue that can only operate through faith.

In the gospels of the Bible, (Matthew - John), we find the greatest example of what gentleness is through the actions and words of Jesus.

When we are born, our original sinful nature is to react selfishly and not with the fruit of the Spirit, but when we become born again, accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become believers and are given a new nature and renewed spirit with our salvation.

As believers, we are charged by the Apostle Paul to always be humble and gentle, living holy lives, being kind towards others, even when people make it tough by their actions.

How's that even possible?

Only by the grace of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit!

Let's be honest — that is often easier said than done.

However, when I am purposeful to not react and be quick to listen to the Lord's still small voice in my heart, He will help me in those moments to respond with gentleness. If we begin to lean on the Holy Spirit to be our helper, in everything and every day, it will make life so much easier, and it sets a good example to others in our lives.

Simply put, walking in gentleness is strong enough to win people to Jesus.

Gentleness is a great way to point others to the goodness of God! As Christians, we are called by God, and instructed to walk in accordance with that call. When I allow the Holy Spirit to work through me, the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in everything I do and brings all glory to Jesus Christ!

- Christa Jones, HR Manager