We are to bear fruit, yet it can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. A tree bears fruit because it receives nourishment, water, and sunshine. We also produce fruit by receiving nourishment, nourishment that comes through God’s Word and by the Holy Spirit’s work in and through our lives. Staying connected to God, who is The Vine, is the key to our ability to produce any fruit.

Gentleness is strength under control. A gentle person is able to respond to a situation under God’s control, not overreacting or responsing in a way that causes regret. By God’s power and our choice, we can produce gentleness!

Displaying gentleness with people is like picking peaches. You must handle peaches with care to prevent bruising and rot. People aren’t so different. To produce the spiritual fruit of gentleness you must put everything in God’s hands: PEACH- Personality. We all have some character flaws, some traits and tendencies that need work. We need God’s help to polish the rough edges so we don’t fly off the handle and say or do things we will regret. Expectations. People will let you down, and you will feel disappointed and maybe angry. You have a choice to make. You can be gentle or judgemental. Remember how many times you’ve disappointed God and how he lovingly and gently cares for you. Attitude. The fruit of gentleness changes your attitude. You begin to see people differently and try to understand where they are coming from. When you see people as God sees them you are able to begin loving and caring for them, putting their needs above your own. Communication. Putting your words under God’s control will save you a world of hurt. Words are powerful. They can build up and they can tear down. Think before you respond, ask God to manage your words. Handle with Care. As Christ-followers we must be response-able, able to control our responses. Be proactive, not reactive. A response is a function of a decision, not of your condition. We often say, “She made me angry!” Not possible. We made a choice to be angry. You always have a choice about how you react. With God’s help, you can have a gentle response. It takes far more control to response with gentleness than to fire emotional bullets.

Scriptures – Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB); John 15:8 (CEB); Philippians 4:5 (NIV); John 15:5 (NIV); Luke 9:54 (GNT); Luke 9:41 (GNT); Ephesians 3:20 (NLV); 1 Kings 19:10-12 (NIV); Proverbs 15:4 (TLB); Philippians 2:4-5 (GNT); 2 Peter 1:6-7 (TLB); James 3:6 (NLT); Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

Verses – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,

and self-control. (Ga 5:22-23) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Ph 4:5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5)

Questions – What is your best personality trait/tendency? What is your worst? When someone disappoints you, are you judgmental or gentle? Do you have a negative attitude about certain people? For example, those who are of a different faith, culture, ethnicity, style, political preference, moral standard. Do you measure your words before you speak? If so, explain. Do you make every effort to use your words to build up, rather than tear down? What does strength under control mean to you? If people were peaches, how well are you handling them?

Prayer – Gracious God, I humble myself before you. Allow your Holy Spirit to do the work within me that will produce fruit for your kingdom. Give me a heart of compassion and gentleness toward those around me and help me to see others as you do so that I can love and care for them as you would have me to. Thank you for your gentle patience with me. Remind me of your love and care when my desires are to judge. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.