“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
Imagine someone who doesn’t have much money claiming that they are restraining themselves from spending lavishly. It sounds like a lie because we cannot test one’s prudence in spending unless such a person has in abundance. In the same way, no one can claim to be gentle until an adverse situation puts that to the test. We can’t honestly know who is gentle until they’re repeatedly provoked without reacting according to the flesh’s impulses.
In today’s world, a common understanding of gentleness is someone who seldom speaks. While some people may naturally have these traits, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are believers. Being gentle, as described in Galatians 5:23, is a display of both humility and self-control. It should be reflected in our daily lives, whether speaking or silent. One important question we can continually ask is, What would Jesus do in this situation?
The Scriptures explain that these traits listed in the opening verse are fruits of the Spirit’s influence in a believer’s life. You can exhibit gentleness because you have the Spirit of God. If believers can express gentleness, then why do we sometimes struggle to keep calm when provoked? While you already have it, you must exercise it and deliberately follow the Spirit’s leading. This is what spiritual growth looks like: to express externally what you already have internally. People around you must experience and discern that a transformation has happened.
You are obligated to live according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Romans 8:12–13). While Judas’s weakness was his love for money, Samson’s was women (John 12:6, Judges 16). Therefore, you must, by the Spirit, put to death the tendencies of the flesh (Colossians 3:5). As you yield and walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
It might not be easy to hold back those hurtful comments on social media when you’re being taunted, but always remember: you are not called to score points but to please the Lord. You can choose to encourage and bless instead of cursing. Scripture instructs us to let our speech always be full of grace (Colossians 4:6). You can restrain from responding harshly and keep your emotions under control. You are not emotion-controlled but Spirit-led.
Dear child of God, be mindful of the Spirit’s influence in your life today. Consciously practice gentleness toward everyone. Keep your emotions in check even when provoked, and extend grace
Bible Reading Plan: Job 7-9; Luke 23.13-43