The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness and Self-control

In Galatians 5:22-23, we see what the fruit of the Spirit consists of. This week we took a look at the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Today we will look at the fruit of gentleness and self-control.

Gentleness is a trait that every Christian should possess. Jesus was gentle, yet He remained powerful, and people were drawn to Him. If we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), then we need to shine our light, and one way to do that is to be gentle. Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Being gentle is powerful, and it enables others to let their guard down around you, without the fear of judgment or rejection. If we are going to be effective ministers for God’s Kingdom and share the Gospel with the lost, then we have to be gentle with our words and actions (1 Peter 3:15). Being abrasive with an unbeliever and arguing with him or her about the Lord is not a successful tactic to bring sinners to Christ. Colossians 3:12 tells us that we should clothe ourselves in gentleness. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).” The reason the Bible tells us to “clothe” ourselves with gentleness is because we have to make an effort to put it on. We have to make a daily effort to bear the fruit of gentleness. Gentleness is a trait of those who are God’s chosen people. We have to pursue it. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith (1 Timothy 6:11-12).”

This week I have been looking over the pamphlet “How the Spirit Works In and Through Believers/ The Fruit of the Spirit” by Rose Publishing. They define gentleness as being “humble, calm, and non-threatening. Gentleness is a humble and non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and is useful in calming another’s anger. Gentleness is not a quality that is weak and passive.” We see the power of gentleness in Proverbs 15:1 which says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” As Christian’s we should never fight hate with hate, anger with anger or evil with evil. We should conquer what comes against us with goodness and love, and one way to do this is with gentleness. Not only does bearing the fruit of gentleness have a powerful effect on those around us, but it will allow us to maintain peace within ourselves, as well. So many horrible things can come from being harsh, hard, angry and aggressive, but gentleness will always be effective, whether in the natural or in the supernatural realm.

Self-control is the last fruit of the Spirit, but it is often one of the most difficult of the fruit’s to bear. Temptation surrounds us to live ungodly lives, eat unhealthy foods, over spend, be dishonest, abuse drugs and alcohol, etc. Sin is pervasive in our world, since the fall. However, we can take heart, because Jesus overcame the world when He died on the cross for our sins. Jesus made what was wrong right again. We have been given the ability to choose whether we want to live a life of freedom or a life of bondage. The fact that we are God’s children ensures that we do have the ability within ourselves to bear the fruit of self-control. It may not always be an easy thing to do, but we can do it. Self-control is all about giving our struggles over to the Lord and allowing Him to transform us into the man or woman that He wants us to be. It takes discipline to bear the fruit of self-control, but if you stick with it, it will get easier.

“How the Spirit Works In and Through Believers/ The Fruit of the Spirit” by Rose Publishing describes self-control as “behaving well. Self-control is to restrain one’s emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God’s will, not living for one’s self.” The night that Jesus was betrayed, he prayed and told God that He wished for God’s will to be done (Luke 22:41-42). Christian’s need to press on and remain in an attitude of obedience to God’s will, if they want to bear the fruit of self-control in their lives. Sometimes we might not want to do something, but we have to decide to do what is right, instead of deciding to do what our flesh wants to do. We can’t base our lives off of our thoughts, feelings, emotions, opinions, and so on. We need to use the Word of God as a map that will guide our lives down the path that we are supposed to be on. No matter what you are going through, God’s grace can teach you to live a godly life and to bear the fruit of self-control (Titus 2:11-12). If you are struggling with a bad temper, fear, an addiction, sexual immorality, bad language, or any other temptation, then talk to God about it. Tell Him what you are struggling with and ask Him to help you. Spend time in His Word daily, and press in and press on. Make the effort to grow in your walk with the Lord, and don’t stay stuck in your comfort zone. God is able to help you live your life with self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23 says that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” What kind of fruit are you bearing? Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit or are you bearing bad fruit (of your own fleshly desires)? God has called us to walk in a manner that is worthy of His calling, in a manner that pleases Him, that will enable us to live our best life and be a light to others. Check yourself daily and inspect the fruit that you are bearing. God loves you so much! He wants you to live your life abundantly!