Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:00 — 4.1MB)
I’m completing our look at the nine characteristics of the fruit of God’s Spirit, as given to us in Galatians 5.
#8 – Gentleness
Jesus described himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Peter tells us that our beauty should not come from outward adornment. “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4). Well, no wonder it is of great worth because it is the same spirit of gentleness that Jesus has.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Gentleness solves arguments, halts anger, and restores someone who has sinned.
Do you have harsh attitudes toward people? I love this quote from Dairy of Private Prayers: “May I be willing to make the same excuses for others that I make for myself.” Are you quick to criticize and judge? The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness, just like Jesus.
#9 – Self-Control
Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” In Bible times cities had to have walls for protection. When those walls were broken down, anything and anybody could get in, to plunder, to kill, to destroy. And so it is with us when we lack self-control. We open ourselves up to destruction.
Look at your own life right now and ask yourself where your walls are broken down because of your unwillingness to exercise self-control. Even if it is only broken in one spot, the enemy will find that spot, and he will invade you and try to destroy you at that point. So, shore up your broken walls through prayer and maybe ask someone to hold you accountable in that area. That’s a good way to grow more self-control in your life.
I have prepared a booklet, which could help you become more intentional about allowing God’s Spirit to produce his fruit in your life. This goes into more detail and gives more helps on how you can allow the fruit of God’s Spirit to flourish in your life. It is exciting to see that you really can grow in all nine fruits.
If you would like to read the entire week’s message, click here to view/download the PDF.