Dear Amy,

What is the most Christlike response we can give to an angry, frustrated, hostile, hurting world?

The fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness

― Galatians 5:22-23

The first thing to note about the fruit of the Spirit is that there is only one fruit (“the fruit of the Spirit is …”), and that fruit has nine characteristics. I may take nine weeks over this, let’s see!

But gentleness? Why do I start here? Let’s notice what Paul wrote to Timothy, his final urging in his first letter.

But you, man of God, flee from all this [false teaching and the love of money], and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

― 1 Timothy 6:11

Timothy, still young, was just starting out in ministry, but was already held in high regard by Paul, who was particularly fond of him (1 Cor 4:17; 2 Tim 1:2; Phil 2:20-22). What would we write to such a one? If we’re honest, doesn’t it seem a little surprising to see gentleness in that list of other more obvious qualities? It must be more important than we thought!

Again, in his final exhortations to the Philippians:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

― Philippians 4:4-5

The Lord is near, and what is the thing that really matters (besides rejoicing)? Our gentleness. We see this in Jesus himself. How prominently is his gentleness described, both in prophecy, and by and of himself.

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

― Zechariah 9:9

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.

― Isaiah 42:3

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

― Matthew 11:28-30

In gentleness and humility, Jesus offers a haven for the weary and burdened.

In the pressure cooker of this life, Amy, live with the gentleness of Christ! 🙏