[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Fruit of the Spirit – Gentleness” subhead=”Aug 1, 2018 | Fruit of the Spirit” background_layout=”dark” background_overlay_color=”rgba(38,38,38,0.32)” _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_image=”https://truestoryproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fruits-of-the-Spirit-Gentleness.jpg” custom_padding=”200px||200px|” text_orientation=”left” header_fullscreen=”off” header_scroll_down=”off” image_orientation=”center” content_orientation=”center” custom_button_two=”off” button_two_icon_placement=”right” custom_button_one=”off” button_one_icon_placement=”right” /][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.92″ background_layout=”light”]
[dropcap]“A[/dropcap] soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh answer stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15
When I read the Fruits of the Spirit I am always challenged and always challenge myself to go deeper and show the attributes. A particularly difficult one for me is gentleness.
I come from a family where arguing and bickering have always been in the daily order-of-service. Of-course there are the usual family discrepancies, but I’ve always felt that we (and I) could do better. I think Jesus expects us to do better and has indeed enabled us to do so by the Holy Spirit.
I find gentleness a struggle because it can often go against my intuition. I want to be heard. I want to make my point. As an older brother I’ve had my fair share of disagreements with my siblings and parents and regretted the moments I’ve said hurtful things. However, I have also experienced moments where I have showed gentleness just like the proverb quoted above. These moments have required sensitivity and a willingness to listen to others. It comes from a place of humility and in the words of Paul “considering others more important than yourselves”. I have received more gentle words than I have given and testify to the power of it.
The power of gentleness extends beyond the bounds of immediate family scenarios and into all other areas of life. Gentleness is not at first a bold or noticeable fruit, but its ability to diffuse, restore, and heal are evident and to be pursued.
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