Gentleness is the sixth fruit that is mentioned in the fruit of the Spirit. It is about being considerate towards others, humble, or not harsh or mean. Gary Thomas of Focus on the Family puts it this way, "Gentleness is a strong hand with a soft touch. It is a tender, compassionate approach toward others' weaknesses and limitations." Jesus exemplified gentleness when he came to the world as the Lamb of God. In John 1:29, John the Baptist said this about Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" It is interesting that Jesus used a lamb to describe himself. Lamb is one of the most harmless animals in the world. They are slow and do not have any horns to protect themselves, unlike a goat or a ram.
Although Jesus is the creator of the universe and He holds the existence of the world in His hands, He did not come to destroy or punish us when He came to the world because of our sin. But instead, He came like a gentle animal to offer Himself to die on the cross for our sins. When he was being crucified on the cross, He did not say any cursed word, but He simply asked the Father to forgive those who were persecuting Him because they did not know what they were doing. Even to this day, Jesus is gentle with us. Every time we sin, He is always gentle to forgive and correct us towards the right path.
As our Lord Jesus is always gentle with us, we need to be gentle with others also. We should not be harsh or mean, but we speak kind words and truth towards each other. When we are in argument or disagreement with someone, we should avoid demeaning and hurtful words. But instead, use kind and thoughtful words to diffuse the situation. In proverbs 15:1, it says, "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Sometimes we need to take a deep breath and respond gently. In regards to our family, we need to show gentleness with them, especially when they do not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. One of the best ways to witness to our family is to show kindness with them.
Ask yourself these questions: What is gentleness? How can I show gentleness to my family and friends today?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for being gentle towards me. Forgive me if I have not been showing gentleness to others. Please help me to be gentle with others, especially with my family. Please help me to say kind and thoughtful words when I am in disagreement with someone. May others see you in me that you may use my life to draw others to you. Please help me now with (mention your prayer requests). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.