The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Galatians 5:22). Over the past few weeks we have studied the fruits of the Spirit. Thus far, we have looked at love, joy, peace, and longsuffering (Patience). Now we will look at gentleness. Most of the newer translations place kindness in the place of gentleness. However, the two oldest English translations—both the Geneva Bible and the King James Version use gentleness. A gentle spirit would certainly display kindness; but it would go further. For kindness can be displayed outwardly, even by those who do not have a gentle spirit. Whereas those with a gentle spirit radiating from the depth of their soul, can remain calm and kind even in the face of contempt. The difference being the depth of the gentle spirit and its source.
A gentle spirit does not seek revenge. Nor does it respond to the critical arrows being slung at it by others. Instead, it that calm, gentle spirit which can turn the other cheek when slapped. Certainly, this is not a natural response. Our own human spirit desires to rise in defense when others criticize and belittle us. We want to clear our name. Therefore, a truly gentle Spirit in the Face of Contempt can only come by the workings of the Holy Spirit within us. Jesus Christ displayed this throughout His life; even during His trial and death on the cross. The Holy Spirit within me is constantly transforming me into the image of Jesus Christ as we read in Romans 8:29.
For you or me to maintain a gentle spirit in the face of contempt, we must learn to see things through God’s eyes. Only the Holy Spirit can accomplish this in us; because, we cannot without Him.
A Gentle Spirit in the Face of Contempt
Saul hated David and wanted to kill him. Jealousy and self-pride within the heart and spirit of Saul caused him to turn against David. He had even turned the people against David forcing him into exile. Hidden in caves, David was pursued by Saul. Yet, one day the opportunity arose that David could take revenge. Saul was asleep in the cave. David could have taken his life. After all, would not human reasoning have said, “this is your opportunity to take the throne as God had promised. Yet, David did not. Instead, he waited for God’s timing to exalt him to the throne. How? We get a clue from the praise song written by David and recorded in 2 Samuel 22.
2The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
5 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
7 In my distress I called upon the LORD and cried to my God. He did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
36Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.
Note it was God’s shield and God’s gentle spirit within him that allowed David victory over his own spirit.
Furthermore
The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me. And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man (2 Samuel 22: 47-49).
When we recognize God’s Sovereignty over our lives and His unending love for us, we can face criticism, contempt, and hate filled people with a gentle spirit. Knowing that God is in control, I turn it all over to Him. Then, the Holy Spirit within me helps me to see the bigger picture for His Glory to shine forth with a gentle Spirit in the face of contemptuous people who desire to destroy me. His gentle Spirit fills my heart, that I then do not do that which my human nature would drive me to. Instead of being a counter puncher, I allow God to work all things to His glory. After all, He is the best counter puncher on my behalf.
[tweetthis]Knowing God’s Sovereignty, Grace and Love, His gentle Spirit fills me.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”God is my Rock & Protector, I do not need to counter punch anyone-He will for me” username=”effiedarlene”]
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Previous Posts to Consider
What is Patience Really in the Face of Conflict?
One Failed Peacemaker and a Gracious God
In a World Divided How Can One Find Peace?
The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy
Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?
Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?
Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?
How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?
What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?
How to Discern the Voice of God from Yours?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
The photo is by Krill Balobanov The inscription I added.