Good morning.
Paul writing to the in Colossian church says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
When we think of the macho world in which we live, gentleness is not one of the qualities that jumps out at us. All the advertising says we must be rough and tough and ready to roll with the main "manne" that count.
The dictionary defines gentleness as, "the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered, the softness of action." Is it possible to let this fruit of the Spirit be evident in our lives? After all it's a big mean world out there.
As followers of Christ it should be a given. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
It is no coincidence that Paul writes in the first phrase of verse 15 of Colossians 3, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts".
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
When we have His peace in us and by keeping in step with Holy Spirit, gentleness will be evident in our lives. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Let gentleness be one of the hallmarks of our lives.
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne