THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 69)

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3367

THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART 69)

From Glory to Glory ( Study #48)

Walking By The Spirit #18
The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness #1

We are surrounded by images of violence, anger, betrayal, hate, poverty, struggle, and hard labor. 

It is brutal out there. But when a believer surrenders to the Lord's desire for a heart of gentleness, that person becomes something radically different than what non-believers see in the world.

One of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit is to conform us to the image of Christ, making us more like Him. This change does not happen overnight. In fact, we spend the rest of our earthly lives working with the Holy Spirit to cultivate these characteristics in our lives the best we can.

Gentleness does not always come naturally.

It is not so much about our natural personality traits as it is about our attitudes and how we approach others.

It involves showing humility and thankfulness towards God, as well as polite, restrained, and compassionate behavior towards everyone else.

Gentleness is produced when a softened heart abides in Jesus. 

It is being intentional and, most importantly, humble - always being compassionate toward the struggles and shortcomings of others.

Abba Father, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence in the life of a Christian (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Gentleness is a quiet but effective fruit of the Spirit. It disarms others who expect a harsh word or strong admonition when they have offended us. But when we offer them a soft-spoken answer in reply, it plays down the tension and disperses any argument, resentment, or wrath. This is our best testimony - reversing the curses spoken against us with the opposite spirit. For as the Bible tells us, a gentle answer turns away wrath ( Proverbs 15:1 ).