“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: …gentleness…”

                                                                                                                           Galatians 5:22a

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” 

2 Timothy 2:25 (NLT)

It's time for gentleness!

Gentleness or meekness is never to be confused with weakness in a Christian’s life. When we stand in the power of God, there is no weakness on display. In our weakness, He is strong, and it is His strength and power that is displayed!

There’s an old French proverb that says this: “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” Paul actually inferred the same thing when he instructed Timothy to be gentle with those “who oppose the truth.” In other words, you don’t need to beat ‘em up for Jesus. A spirit of gentleness promotes a time of listening and sharing, while a contentious spirit promotes fighting and fleeing.

It is such a human-nature thing to want to defend the truth that we know. It is so normal to come back at someone with a vengeance when we are falsely accused. The natural man wants to prove he is right, prove that he knows what he’s talking about. The new creature still wants people to see the truth, not to prove they're right, but because it is for the other person’s good. (Remember the “fruit section” of kindness.)

Probably the best display of gentleness in the Bible is found in Matthew 27. “Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’ And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.”

Jesus knew the truth. He spoke gently when necessary: “Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’” But when no words were needed against the railings of the priests and elders, Jesus was gently silent. His gentle Spirit amazed and witnessed to Pilate. Pilate “marveled greatly”! I can’t imagine “marveling greatly” at something and not thinking about it again. I’m positive that Pilate relived that moment over many times in his mind, and the witness of that moment continued to speak to him.

There are times when the “fruit section” of gentleness is our “loudest” way of witnessing. But remember it is Spirit produced. The power of the truth under the control of the Spirit, is displayed in gentleness. We won’t “win” someone by “beating them up for Jesus.” Sometimes gentleness will be displayed through truthful words like Jesus to Pilate, or sometimes through no response at all like Jesus to the religious leaders. No screaming, no hostile actions, and no beratings will ever speak the truth of who Jesus is—the truth shared with gentleness, even in silence, will be heard.

Reminder: We are known by our fruits… (Matthew 7:16a)