Be Ye Gentle
Galatians 5:22
As we consider the Fruit of the Spirit, it is important for us to come to the realization that this means we must submit ourselves to the Spirit of God if we are going to manifest these nine graces.
Several things about each:
• God has demonstrated each of these unto us
• God now empowers us to demonstrate each to others
• God will not make us do what we need to surrender to do
Point: This is truly about us giving ownership of ourselves to God; a transfer of the old life to the new life in Christ.
Galatians 5:22 Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering and Gentleness
Gentleness = moral excellence in character or demeanor kindness, the submission of strength and to exercise or handle with care
Kindness = To be good, useful and helpful, and considerate and gracious in all situation regardless of circumstances. The word is similar to the word kin and it could easily be define as to treat everyone as family
See: 1 Thessa. 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
Gentleness or Kindness seems to be a thing of the past doesn’t it?
Several things concerning kindness:
1. It is a Command
See: Titus 3:1-4 Tell those in Christ to be…
Key Point: It is not acceptable to say I love the Lord, but I am abrasive when it comes to people.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate one to another
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved bowels of mercies, kindness…
Mention: Ephesians 4:32 And to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another…
See: 2 Tim. 2:24 a servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men…
2. It is a LORD’S Character
See: Psalms 117:1-2
See: 2 Samuel 22:36 David said that the gentleness of the LORD has made him great
See: Isaiah 40:10-11 The LORD gently carrying and leading His people
Mention: Nehemiah 9:17 Says God is a God of great kindness
Also: Jonah 4:2 Jonah says God is a of great kindness
3. It is Commemorated
Mention: 2 Samuel 9:1-3,7 David shows kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth
Mention: 2 Samuel 16:5-14 David gentle with Shimei
And: 2 Samuel 18:5 He asked them to deal gently with his son Absalom
Mention: Acts 9:36-39 Dorcas was love because of her acts of kindness
Gentle and kind people will not go without memory!
4. Its Conquest
The act of gentleness and kindness has a way of penetrating the heart of a person!
See: Matt. 5:43-45 That ye may be children of your Father which is in heaven
Comment: I believe this gentleness and kindness is especially to be expressed to those we are longsuffering toward. Mention: Luke 6:35 Kind unto the unthankful
Ways in which this gentleness and kindness can be expressed:
a. The simple act of opening the door for someone
b. Paying for the meal of the car behind you in the drive thru line
c. Respond to situations in a careful considerate manner
See: 2 Peter 1:3-9 He that lacketh these things are blind…
