Gentleness

Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

When I think of the word "gentleness" I can often think it is wimpiness. Our culture champions those who wrestle their way to the top....success is spelled T-O-U-G-H. The world says "eat or be eaten alive"....."it is a dog eat dog world." If you want to get anywhere in this life you have to fight for it. But in all truth Gentleness is harnessed power, an inner strength that only comes from Lord working in and through me. Being yielded to God's desires means letting go of mine. God knows what is best for me and who I can become better that I do.

Jesus is our greatest example of yielding to the Father when He gave His life for my sin and for yours. He chose to die on the cross in obedience to the father's plan and His love for the world.

Jesus Prayer in the Garden in Matthew 26:38- "Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

My prayer is that as I move forward on this dusty trail called life that I seek my heavenly father's plan for my life and just like the yellow triangular "yield" sign....I obey and yield to His leading. Gentleness pauses, looks both ways and waits for directions before proceeding....with my kids, with work, with friendships, with my husband, ect.

James 1:19 - "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

Gentleness is a tricky fruit to grow because it requires such surrender, and surrender makes us vulnerable. Many times I want to fight to be right or to get my way or even to prove my point but in the end I don't feel any better or empowered I actually feel miserable. I am reminded of different times I have had to apologize to my husband or my girls because I was stubborn and I didn't want to let go....fighting to be right. Does it really matter - I choose to yield and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in growing the fruit of gentleness in my life.

Gentleness is harnessed power, an inner strength that only comes from the Lord working in and through me.