Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Welcome to week 6 of the Fruits of the Spirit series. In case you missed the last few weeks you can go back and get caught up.
Gentleness in the spirit of Christ does not mean being meek and timid. (although KJV specifically states Meekness) Being Gentle in the spirit means to humble ourselves. To be humble enough to place ourselves in specific types of situations so we can behave as Christ would want us to. A Pastor from Singapore visited my church a few months back and he talked about placing ourselves in the Market Place (to you and I that is anywhere and everywhere that needs Jesus). I believe that is what having a gentle spirit includes. Being humble enough to be out of our comfort zone. Humble to offer correction out of LOVE and not condemnation. Humble to FORGIVE. Humble to take in that
sinner...
A Gentle Spirit is NOT: bitter, unstable, troubled, obnoxious, quick to get angry, careless, impatient, doubtful, foolish, irritable, proud, insensitive, self-absorbed, self-seeking, over confident.
It all ultimately falls into winning people to Christ.
Can we win people to Christ with the above qualities?
1 Cor 4:21 NIV
21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
Just as a child stands to be corrected. What are your chances of them learning their lesson if we come at them angry vs...out of love? Just as any sinner to be won to Christ...condemnation and harsh judgment will not win any souls. I want to be a soul winner.
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