Dave spoke this morning on gentleness and self-control, two of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). The word translated ‘gentleness’ is from the same root as that translated ‘meek’ in Matt 5:5; meekness and gentleness are synonymous and are qualities often overlooked in a world where over-achievers and loudness tend to be noticed more.
Jesus’ words that the meek will inherit the earth often seem incongruous, because meekness is, for so many, equated with weakness: it’s seen as being spineless, gutless, ‘as meek as a mouse.’ Meekness is, however, ‘strength under control’, and we need to see the connection beteween gentleness and self-control if we are to cultivate these fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
- Be understanding and not demanding to those who serve us. (Phil 2:4-5) So often, we can be rude and demanding to those we meet in our daily lives (waitresses, receptionists, shop assistants, cashiers etc.) Gentleness helps us to deal with people as individuals, forcing our egos out of the way.
- Be gentle, not judgmental, with people when they let us down. (Rom 14:1) Some of Jesus’s harshest words were for those who were self-righteous and judgmental. Forgiveness and kindness are qualities we need to show others, for there will be many occasions when we need these qualities to be shown to us!
- Be tender without surrender with those who disagree with us. How we handle those who irritate us and rub us up matters enormously. We can either retreat in fear, attack in anger or respond in love. Prov 15:1 reminds us that a gentle answer turns away wrather; Js 3:16-17 reminds us of the importance of our speech in dealing with people. We have to learn to walk hand in hand with people even when we don’t see eye to eye. 2 Tim 2:24-25 reminds us that spiritual leaders must not be quarrelsome but must learn to gently instruct those who disagree, giving God room to work in these situations. This is good advice for us all!
- Be teachable, not unteachable, when we are corrected. Meek people aren’t know-it-alls; they are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (Js 1:19) We need to be willing to learn from everyone, valuing and appreciating our differences.
- Be someone who ‘acts’ rather than ‘reacts’ when you are hurt. Rom 12:12 reminds us that retaliation is not God’s way. Prov 16:32 reminds us that a man who controls his temper is better than one who takes a city. So often, we talk about people ‘making’ us do things, but we have to learn that we have the power to choose how we act rather than always reacting to others. God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7); the patterns of reacitng in the same old way we always have can be broken by God’s Spirit, so that we have the power to react in love. Jesus shows us this example by praying for forgiveness for those whose actions had led to His crucifixion; He was not flustered by the situation but showed gentleness and self-control even in the midst of great suffering.
