Cultivating Gentleness

How often do we pray for gentleness? I mean -- love yes. Joy, yes. Peace, yes. But gentleness? What does that even mean? It's one of the fruit of the Spirit. But have I ever heard a sermon on gentleness? Not that I can remember.

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I've been described as gentle before. But I think that's because I can be quiet, even timid in some settings. That is not the kind of gentleness I'm talking about.

Here are  some characteristics of a person who exhibits gentleness:
- kind and considerate
- makes others feel comfortable in my presence
- does not exude a judging or superior disposition
- makes others feel like they can "rest"
- careful with opinions rather than being overly strong or dogmatic

If you know me at all, you will know that I'm not exactly the poster child for gentleness. It's not my natural disposition -- I'm overly task-oriented. I get caught up in being right.  I have very strong opinions.

But just because gentleness is not easy for me, does not mean I should consider it any less important than the other Fruit of the Spirit. Today I'm clothing myself in gentleness and praying for God's grace to give me a spirit of gentleness towards others.