Day 18, GIFT #18 – Give the gift of gentleness

“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:5)

Today, give to others the gift of gentleness

Gentleness is the eighth of the nine spiritual fruits that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of born again believers. (See Gal. 5:22-23). God produces this fruit in you to be shared with others.

“Gentleness” is often misunderstood

Perhaps a struggle we have with gentleness is that we don't really understand what it is. The dictionary describes gentleness as being kind, sympathetic, considerate, understanding, compassionate, benevolent, and good-natured.

Gentleness is not weakness

Charles Swindoll writes: “In our rough and rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness—being soft and virtually spineless. Not so. Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as having strength under control, being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere, emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves, and possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self esteem and dignity. Instead of losing, the gentle gain; instead of being ripped off and taken advantage of, they come out ahead.”

Gentleness can be firm, even powerful

To behave in a gentle manner requires that you stay centered in strong values used with controlled strength - that you are active rather than reactive. Confirming from this center, a gentle word or touch can channel your energy into healing or making peace.

 It is first pure

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)

 Choose gentleness

“I choose gentleness... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.” - Max Lucado