This is the eighth installment of my nine-month series on The Fruit of the Spirit and its cultivation in our lives. With each post I’m including a free embroidery pattern download featuring the month’s topic. The next installment will hopefully be posted next week and will include the last pattern of the series.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
—Galatians 5:22-23
We find gentleness described in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary as Softness of manners; mildness of temper; sweetness of disposition; meekness; kindness.
Do you desire to be known for your gentleness? Or do you find it as something that just isn’t “you”? Maybe you have even said that “It’s just not in my character to be gentle.” I know that I have struggled with having a gentleness in my tone of voice and actions. I also know that the Lord is very gracious and kind to give us His Spirit to help us change! While I am still far from perfect in this area, I can look back and see that there has been much improvement! And for that and for those around me I am thankful!
How can we cultivate gentleness?
Pray diligently.
If you haven’t already, make a habit of praying daily as well as throughout the day:
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).”
Preach to yourself.
Stop and consider your actions and reactions. Are you being gentle in words, tone of voice, thoughts, actions? If you aren’t, then stop and turn from those ways and put on gentleness. Remind yourself of the scriptures that tell us to have gentleness.
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:14-16).”
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).”
Look for ways to teach our children to be gentle in their actions and voice.
Teach and train your children to use gentle tones and words when talking. Train them not to slam doors, stomp around or throw things, etc. Teach them that in all of life there will be struggles where they will want to react sinfully, and that is why we need Jesus.
Be thankful for God’s gentleness with us.
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).”
Free “Gentleness” Embroidery Pattern
As an extra way to remember to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, we’ve created a free embroidery pattern from Clementine Patterns – just for you! (This makes for a great mother-daughter project!)
This month’s pattern features several graphics for Gentleness. Download the pattern for free and embroider your own version of “Gentleness” for your home and family! (For personal use only. This PDF pattern is available for free download through December 29th.)
Other posts in this series:
• LOVE
• JOY
• PEACE
• PATIENCE
• KINDNESS
• GOODNESS
• FAITHFULNESS
