The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Monday, August 24, 2020

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – what is gentleness?

Gentleness also translates to “meekness” and it does not mean weakness. It involves humility and thankfulness towards God, and polite, restrained behavior towards others. The opposite of gentleness is anger, a desire for revenge, and self-aggrandizement. God wants us to give Him total control over our lives, relying on our own logic has its own cons. With the wisdom given by the Holy Spirit, we begin to see why we should submit to God as Lord.

It’s well known that human power under human control is a half-broken weapon in the hand of a child, however, gentleness places our strength under God’s guidance; it is a powerful tool for God’s kingdom.

1 Timothy 3:3s“Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (ESV)Titus 3:2“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (ESV)James 3:17“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (ESV)

Above are some of the characteristics of what it means to be gentle. Since it’s being established that gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, I believe, it’s important we are believers rely on the help of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God to aid us in walking in gentleness. James 1:5 “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (NRSV) God finds no fault in giving you His wisdom.

When we give the Holy Spirit total preeminence in our lives, we will correct others with easiness instead of arguing in resentment and anger knowing that their salvation is far more important than our pride. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 “The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth.” (WEB). Gentleness also means submitting the right to judge what’s best for ourselves and others to the Holy Spirit.

 Confession: I enjoy preferential treatment, I have supernatural increase, I have restoration, I have prominence, I have petitions granted, laws changed, polices and rules changed and battles won which I do not have to fight. Glory to God I am blessed.

Further Readings:

Galatians 6:1:

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:24-25;

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, ²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Read through the Bible: 1 Samuel 16 & Romans 14