The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

Temple Baptist Church - 9-27-2020

Galatians 5:22

 

Introduction:

 

A.  The second outward aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit is Gentleness.  I saw this definition of gentleness and believe that it gives a well-rounded view of what gentleness is.

 

1.  Gentleness is the act of being considerate or kind in attitude. 

 

2.  Gentleness is defined as tender, mild, soft, careful, and polite.

 

3.  Gentleness is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the heart.

 

4.  Gentleness sweetens the temper, corrects an irritable disposition, makes the heart kind, motivates to make others happy.

 

5.  Gentleness is true politeness.

 

B.  Our Lord commanded his disciples to be gentle. 

 

Matthew 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

 

C.  The Dove is one of the gentlest of all birds.  They give the impression of true gentleness as “the sound of the turtle” soothes the heart and mind. 

 

Song of Solomon 2:11-12  For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;  (12)  The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

 

D.  Gentleness is not meekness or weakness.  We will look at meekness later, but it is meekness toward God, not people in general.  I am not knocking meekness, but God’s people have always fought for right during both war and peace. 

 

E.  Gentleness is how we interact with or treat others.  Meekness is how we respond to how people treat us.  To be called a gentleman or gentlewoman is a compliment paid!

 

F.  The words “gentle” or “gentleness” combined are only found 9x in your Bible so I will look at all 9 to get a full picture of what gentleness entails.

 

1.  The First and Second Mentions of the word “gentleness” are the same and show the gentleness of God toward His children. I often say that the Lord has been gracious, good, and gentle to me!

 

2 Samuel 22:36  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

 

Psalms 18:35  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

 

Psalms 103:8-11  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  (9)  He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.  (10)  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  (11)  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

 

2.  The Third Mention of the word “gentleness” speaks of the outward demeanor of Jesus Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 10:1  Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

 

3.  The Fourth Mention of the word “gentleness” is an attribute of the Holy Spirit.

 

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 

4.  The Fifth Mention of the word “gentleness” shows the attitude of the Apostles toward God’s children.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:  (8)  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

 

5.  The Sixth Mention of the word “gentle” shows the necessity of God’s servants with God’s church.

 

2 Timothy 2:24-26  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;  (26)  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

 

6.  The Seventh Mention of the word “gentle” deals with our relationship with those in authority over us.

 

Titus 3:1-2  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  (2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

 

7.  The Eighth Mention of the word “gentle” deals with our relationship with others.

 

James 3:16-18  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.  (17)  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  (18)  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

 

8.  The Ninth mention of the word “gentle” speaks of those in authority treating those under them with gentleness.

 

1 Peter 2:18  Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.