Choosing Gentleness

God has called us to live differently — to live set apart.

In Galatians 5, we are given a picture of what a life led by the Holy Spirit looks like.

These are not personality traits. They are not things we manufacture on our own. They

are evidence of the Holy Spirit living and working inside of us.

But walking in the Spirit is not passive. It is something we choose daily as we surrender

our flesh, our emotions, and our circumstances to Christ.

Each week, we will focus on one Fruit of the Spirit and what it looks like to live it out in

our everyday lives — in our marriages, in our families, and in the world around us.

As we continue walking through the Fruit of the Spirit, this week we

focus on gentleness.

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…

”

Choosing Gentleness

Galatians 5:22–23

As we continue walking through the Fruit of the Spirit, this week we focus

on Gentleness.

The Greek word for gentleness is prautēs (prah-oo-tace). It means

mildness of disposition, meekness, and humility.

When I looked deeper into the word meekness, I found this definition:

the quality of being quiet, gentle, humble, and submissive — often

characterized by enduring injury or provocation without resentment.

But meekness is often misunderstood.

It is not weakness.

In fact, it is often described as “strength under control.”

A deliberate, disciplined choice to restrain power, anger, or ego for a higher

purpose.

Yes — that is exactly what gentleness is.

So what is our higher purpose?

To be the light in a dark world.

To be set apart.

To reflect the love of Jesus to those around us.1 Peter 3:15 reminds us:

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared

to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is

in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

People are watching us.

They see something different in us — or at least that should be our desire.

Because of that, we have to pre-decide how we are going to respond.

We live in a world where it is easy to be offended.

Quick to react.

Quick to respond in anger — whether it’s to something we read, something

we hear, or something someone says to us.

But God’s Word is clear in how we are to respond:

With a spirit of gentleness.

Does that mean we cannot have opinions or stand firm in our beliefs?

Absolutely not.

But it does mean we have a responsibility in how we respond.

Our tone matters.

Our posture matters.

Our words matter.

I love the phrase “strength under control.”

Because our voice has influence — for good or for harm.

The next time you feel offended or triggered to react, pause.

Take a breath.

Ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to respond with a gentle spirit.

This week, look for opportunities to choose gentleness —

in your words,

in your responses,

and in your heart posture toward others.

Because when we walk in gentleness, we reflect the heart of Jesus.