Galatians 5: 22-23 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

“Praotes” Having an inward grace of the soul, a calmness toward God in particular. We choose not to fight against Him, resting in His love; with that flowing out into how we relate graciously to others.

Like all “fruit of the Spirit,” gentleness flows from the inside-out. By being at peace with God and at rest with Him; we will be on right footing to be a proper “vessel” for His gentleness to be extended to others.

Gentleness often gets compared with the traits of meekness and humility. Gentleness is an active trait, which describes how we should treat others. Meekness is a passive trait, describing the proper Christian response when others mistreat us.

Colossians 3:12 Philippians 4:5 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” --------------------------------------------------------------------- Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle Titus 3: 1-2 1 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Gentleness is… Our conflict resolution tool (Proverbs 15:1) The tone of our evangelism (1 Pet. 3: 15-16) How to restore “backsliders” (Galatians 6:1) The jewelry of godly women (1 Pet. 3: 3-4) To be pursued by godly men (1 Tim. 6:11) Expected of church leaders (1 Tim. 3: 2-3)

10 “See, the Sovereign Lord Psalm 40: 10-11 10  “See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,     and He rules with a mighty arm. See, His reward is with Him,     and His recompense accompanies Him. 11 He tends His flock like a shepherd:     He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart;     He gently leads those that have young.”

11 “One thing God has spoken, Psalm 62: 11-12 11  “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that You, O God, are strong 12  and that You, O Lord, are loving; Surely you will reward each person according to what they have done.”

Matthew 21:5 Matthew 12:20 “A bruised reed “Say to the Daughter of Zion,     ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ Matthew 12:20 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.”

Matthew 11: 28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”