Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
(Galatians 5:22-23)

I. Gentleness and God
A. God is gentle like a good father. (Psalm 103:13-14)
B. God is gentle like a good shepherd. (Psalm 23:1-3; Isaiah 40:11)
C. Jesus displayed the fruit of gentleness in His life. (Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:11)

II. Gentleness and Strength
A. Gentleness is not the same as weakness. (Isaiah 40:10; Micah 5:4; Matthew 21:12)
B. Only the strong can truly be gentle. (2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 4:15)
C. Gentleness is strength under control. (Proverbs 15:1, 25:15; 1 Corinthians 4:20-21)

III. Growing in Gentleness
A. You should be gentle in teaching. (2 Timothy 2:24-25)
B. You should be gentle in restoring. (Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:1)
C. You should be gentle in marriage. (Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:7)
D. You should be gentle in authority. (Ephesians 6:4,9)
E. You should be gentle in witnessing. (1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Peter 3:15)
F. Ask God to develop the fruit of gentleness in your life.

Affirmation: I will grow in gentleness as I allow the Spirit to soften my manner.

Application: Thank God that He is incredibly gentle with you and ask Him to help you be gentle toward others.