Strength Under Control – Delight and Be Gentle

DELIGHT AND BE // GENTLE

I recently heard an extremely good talk on the fruits of the spirit. And when it came to the topic of gentleness, I was all ears. The speaker related gentleness to meekness. And described both as strength under control. I love that description! It is so easy to think of gentleness as being soft spoken, timid, and careful. But those are actually only a description of different types of personalities, not of what a fruit of the spirit looks like.

I’ll admit, I used to shy away from praying for too much gentleness in my life because I assumed it meant I had to become soft spoken and always carry myself in such a quiet and careful manner. This scared me because that is not what I am like! I like talking, I like talking with expression, and I naturally convey myself with enthusiasm. And when I am excited, I can quickly jump around in the least bit of a graceful manner. We do not naturally think of loud people as being gentle.

The incredible thing about the Fruits of the Spirit is that they are not limited to personalities. The Fruits of the Spirit are for God’s people, of all shapes and sizes. The Bible is full of a variety of characters, each with his own unique quirks and personality. And the body of Christ is too. Just go to church on Sunday or your weekly Bible study and observe all of the different people around you. Notice how each one portrays different aspects of who God is. God created each one so different, all with something unique to use for His Kingdom work that we get to be a part of.

All of that to say, gentleness is not limited by personality. Gentleness can be grown and shown in all different types of people! So as you read on, think about how you have seen gentleness in those around you. Including, but not limited to, that outgoing and noisy youth leader at your church. And what about the little old lady who lives down the street from you? And ultimately, pray for God to reveal to you how He wants to cultivate gentleness in you, given the specific personality that He has already given you.

Nourishing gentleness means resting secure in who you are in Christ. Colossians 3.12 tells us that, “as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”. Our identity, who we are is completely wrapped up in the fact that we are His. His chosen people. We are called to live out gentleness because we are His people, we represent Him, we are the bearers of His name tag here on earth. We cannot portray true and genuine gentleness until we are sure of who we are. Not who we are based on what kind of coffee we like, how many people think we are talented, or what our hair looked like when we woke up that morning. No, who we are is grounded in the permanence of being His. Belonging to the Creator of the universe and the One from whom all blessings flow. This is so much more sure than how we feel on any given day, it defines us completely and wholly, any day and every day.

As God’s chosen, we are “holy and dearly loved”. What could be a better identity statement than to be holy and dearly loved?! We are declared holy because Christ purchased us holiness on the Cross. Holy, being set apart, declared sacred, given a special place in His Kingdom. We are dearly loved by the very One who encompasses love Himself. Dearly loved by a glory-filled and glory-giving Father. Being holy and dearly loved enables us to cultivate gentleness, and calls us to delight and be gentle.

Keeping in mind where our identity is, let us talk about what growing in gentleness would look like. It would mean that we do not feel the need to force our way in life. Keeping in mind that, “the Lord is near”, we will “let our gentleness be evident to all” [Philippians 4.5]. We will not feel the need to demand things of others, gentleness flows out of a security in Christ that enables us to trust that He is always paving the best path for us. Therefore, we do not need to charge ahead with sword in hand, so to speak, and slash down anyone who gets in our way.

Gentleness has a sensitive regard for others. Some of the most talkative, out-going, and loud people I know are so keen and attentive to the needs of others’ around them. They may seem to be wrapped up in hearing their own voice, but often they are the best at asking questions to show they truly care, speaking affirming words to build others up, and having the boldness to enter in to where they see someone hurting.

When we practice gentleness and let the Spirit use us, we are careful to not rise up defensively when ruffled or crossed. Again, this goes back to a security in whom we are in Christ. When we know we are His, being slighted cannot steal from us our joy and strength.

Have you ever had one of those days driving around when all of the people in their cars are not people anymore, but rather the owner of a large vehicle that you believe are proposing to ruin your day? Sometimes, when wrapped up in our agenda, it can be easy to forget the personhood of others. Living out gentleness means that we recognize the personhood of others. This mindset allows us to view others as God’s creations, to view even the worst of criminals as people in need of a Savior. Being aware of this enables us to love on the most broken and hurting people.

Gentleness. It is a fruit of the spirit! Something that we can have because we have the Holy Spirit residing in us. He is praying for and building gentleness in us when we are not even aware. So let us all be challenged. If we are going to bear the name tag of Christ, let us pursue the call that He has placed before us. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” [Galatians 5.25]. Rest secured in the fact that you are dearly loved as God’s chosen, and when you wake up tomorrow, remind yourself that you have the Spirit working in and around you. Through the set apart, holy call that was given to you through Christ’s blood on the Cross, walk with the Spirit and there you will find all that you need to be gentle.

 

Love,

Charissa Wong