How does gentleness fit into a world where we are consumed with the fear that if we do not voice or fight for our rights we will lose out? Beth Moore states that, “Only a gentle giant can stand before Pilate with no need to defend Himself.” With this thought in mind, dare one safely say that gentleness is a sign of strength we don’t see much of today? This makes me see more clearly why I need the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of strength.Beth's Study led us to see that gentleness is a combination of submission, humility, teachability and teaching ability:
A submission to the will of God - one that may even be tested to the point of accepting suffering in His will to be better than ease outside of His will. The apostle Paul suffered beatings, imprisonment, hunger, stoning, shipwreck etc and counted it all as “Nothing, compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.” (Philippians 3)
A humility that comes from realizing my unworthiness compared to God’s grace and greatness. This humility will show itself in gentleness toward others. Humility will be considerate of needs and be willing to serve, rather than be served. Jesus took a pitcher and a towel to teach his disciples about gentle humility.
A teachability that requires admission of a need and acceptance of instruction. Someone who is teachable will not feel insulted when told how to do something. The teachability of gentleness shows itself when we are willing to check the manual rather than insisting that we know. Even David, the king, had to learn this when his first attempt of returning the ark of the Lord was condemned (1 Chronicles 13, 15). He learned to accept tragedy and failure as a challenge to inquire of the Lord before going ahead.
A teaching ability that is not concerned about a personal agenda, but rests in the fact that truth will win. It is about integrity, soundness of speech and living by example. Proverbs 16:21 says. “Pleasant words promote instruction.”
Gentleness is not a sign of weakness. It takes great strength to rest in God, to humble ourselves, to be teachable and to teach truth with integrity. Gentleness is a giant fruit.
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing another fruit with us. Each time I read your posts from Beth's teachings I ask my self if this fruit is in my life. It has been good for me, and hopefully my fruit is rippening well. I then stop and think of people who show me that fruit in their life. I often can think of an number of people, but this one had me only come up with one person who I can really see this fruits evidence chrystal clear. Just interesting to me!!?!! Kathy
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