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The Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness
The Fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness
Mike Willis
The eighth fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 is “gentleness.” The Greek word prautēs is defined as “the quality of not being overly impressed by the sense of one’s self-importance, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness.” The ESV uses the word “gentleness” to translate all eleven uses of the word in the New Testament. Jesus used a different form of the same word group in the third beatitude: “Blessed are the meek (praus), for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). Look at the uses of the word prautēs in the New Testament to emphasize what God expects of His children:
1 Corinthians 4:21—“What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness (prautēs)?” When one comes with a chastening rod, it is painful to bear; when one comes in love with a spirit of gentleness, the correction is much easier to receive.
2 Corinthians 10:1—“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness (prautēs) and gentleness of Christ . . .” The words “gentle” and “lowly in heart” are used to describe Jesus: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle (prautēs) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).
Galatians 6:2—“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness (prautēs). Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” When approaching a brother caught up in sin, we should confront him gently and not abrasively, nor with the spirit of “telling him off,” but in a humble spirit trying to bring him back to the Lord.
Ephesisans 4:1-2—“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 (prautēs), with patience, bearing with one another in love. . . .” In contrast to an arrogant, harsh, and caustic rebuke of a brother, one should be kind, tender, and mild in the correction administered.
Colossians 3:12—“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness (prautēs), and patience, . . .” The context in Colossians is similar to that of Ephesians 4:1-2, which calls for a courteous, respectful, and gentle demeanor in all that we do. The goal is not to tell someone off but gently to lead him to Christ. The following Scriptures fall into the same category with Ephesians 4:1-2 and Colossians 3:12, instructing those who are teaching others to teach in a gentle, humble, respectful, and considerate manner, not alienating the one being corrected by the manner in which the correction is given:
2 Timothy 2:25—“correcting his opponents with gentleness (prautēs).”
Titus 3:2—“. . .to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle (prautēs), and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
James 3:13—“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness (prautēs) of wisdom.”
1 Peter 3:15—“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 (prautēs) and respect.
The man who is teaching the Bible needs to learn to preach it in a gentle, kind, and humble spirit as he can. There should be no spirit of winning an argument, proving that one is smarter than the other, or humiliating the one who is being taught. These detract from the gospel message, offend the one hearing the message preached, and interfere with spreading the word of God.
James 1:21—“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness (prautēs) the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Whereas several of the previous Scriptures have pertained to how instruction is given, this passage makes the same demand of the one receiving the instruction. He should not get mad, react violently or rashly, but meekly accept the correction the brother is trying to teach him.
What is true of how one teaches the gospel is also true of how we conduct ourselves in all of our relationships in the home, at work, in the neighborhood, and in group and public places.