Some folks associate meekness and gentleness with weakness because force often seems to work when nothing else does. In reality, meekness and gentleness can often achieve more than forcefulness. When we use force, we assume that the other person is against us. Sometimes we use force or an attitude of force when we are frustrated with the other person.
What’s your people approach? When things don’t go your way are you forceful or gentle and meek?
This week we’ve been pulling apart and taking a closer look at the fruit of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26
If you remember, we talked about peace being peace and reconciliation with God. We said that longsuffering is something that God has been with us that we may come to repentance. Notice what the following verses say about meekness and gentleness.
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: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:1-2
Paul recognized that meekness and gentleness are characteristics of Christ. He had something to say, and he wanted to say it in a letter because he wanted to be meek and gentle when he saw them. He did not want to be stern.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Paul recognized that through meekness and gentleness, patience and teaching, that perhaps God would draw them, “and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
Think about this. Christ is meek and gentle. Meek and gentle are fruits of the Spirit. When we are meek and gentle God can use us.
Meek and gentle does not sound so weak anymore does it?
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to think about what it means to be meek and gentle. Then, consider when you need to be more meek and gentle. Think about the things that make you want to be forceful instead. Is it stress? Is it a lack of patience? Pray asking God to help you walk in the Spirit at those times. Ask God to help you to pause and think before you react and to surrender your will to His. Ask God to work through this meekness and gentleness to draw others to salvation.