1. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness to create a graciousness in a leader that combats any tendency to be harsh with people. Paul wrote, "Live with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another." (Eph. 4:2)
Application: Ask the Lord to give you more of a Christlike graciousness that springs from a gentle and humble heart in all your relationships.
2. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as a way of exhibiting the meekness and gentleness of one who is completely identified with Christ. Jesus said,
"Take my yoke (Responsibilities) upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls." (Matt. 11:29)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you involve yourself with Christ’s commandments, commission and causes so as to fully identify with His gentle service and blessings.
3. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as we fully appreciate all the ways God has eased our burdens and blessed us with God’s gentle mercies. David wrote,
"Praise the Lord, O my soul all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not ALL HIS BENEFITS." (Psa. 103:1,2)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you take time to inventory all the ways God has eased your burdens and blessed you with so many physical, emotional, relational, mental, social, ministry, and spiritual benefits. Trust the Lord to bring these blessings to your mind when you are tempted to abandon your gentle manner.
4. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as we allow the Spirit of God to fight our battles for us. Paul wrote, "Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit)." (Phil. 4:5)
Ask God to help you exhibit gentleness in all your interactions with people.
5. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as we follow the characteristics of Godly people. Paul wrote, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Col. 3:12)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you to associate yourself with gentlemen and gentle women who embody the characteristics of Godliness.
6. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as we trust and obey the Lord, even under severe distress or provocation. David wrote, "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man." (Psa. 112:4)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you exhibit a righteous gentleness at all times regardless of your feelings of fear and anger.
7. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as He knows it is much more effective in producing long lasting positive changes in people. Paul wrote to the rebellious Corinthians,
"Now which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of correction, or with love and in a spirit of gentleness?" (I Cor. 4:21) Even Solomon wrote, "A harsh word stirs us anger, but a soft answer, turns away wrath." (Prov. 15:1)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you speak with gentle tones, manners and expressions to people in order to maximize your long term effectiveness.
8. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as He recognizes it demonstrates a greater trust and obedience to the Lord, who works in and through us. Paul wrote, "Not in your own strength for it is God who is at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire) both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves)." (Phil. 2:13,14)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you exhibit a greater trust and obedience to the Lord through a spirit of Godly gentleness.
9. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness as we learn how to minister without getting angry, fearful or too emotional. Peter wrote, "But in your hearts, set Christ apart as holy (and acknowledge Him as Lord).
Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it COURTEOUSLY and RESPECTFULLY." (I Pet. 3:15)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you respond to all people with the utmost courtesy and respect since God has given you the privilege of representing Him with His truth.
10. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruit of gentleness when we need to correct others in a way that we are not drawn into problems. Paul wrote, "Brethren, if any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin, you who are spiritual should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." (Gal. 6:1)
Application: Ask the Lord to help you correct people while remaining gentle and caring without showing any condescending attitudes.
