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Image result for gentleness jesusI have seen it way too often. Something that starts simple escalates. It turns into all out war. My drive to defend myself and “be right” creates a verbal death spiral.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Jesus challenges me to a goal of being gentle with others. That is a demonstration of God’s love.

There is good news! God has given me the Holy Spirit who teaches me the way of Jesus. That is stunning in that I don’t have to depend on my own evil ways. I am a new creation in Jesus.

A gentle response defuses anger,
    but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. | Proverbs 15:1 (The Message Bible)

Gentleness is an expression of compassion, seen in God’s dealings with the frail and weak, and expected of believers in our dealings with others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. | Galatians 5:22

Gentleness is a mark and a part of the character of a disciple of Jesus. How do others know I am following Jesus? They see my gentleness. Jesus himself, in His Manifesto, said “Happy are those who are gentle (meek) for they will inherit the earth.”

The Greek word is πραΰτης praëtēs, (prah-oo´-tace) meaning mildness, humility or meekness. Jesus himself said we would be happy if we are gentle (meek). The benefit is we will inherit the earth.