The fruit of the Spirit is…gentleness…. – Galatians 5:22-23

Scripture reading: Philippians 4:10-20

It is not natural to have the gracious spirit of gentleness. It is not natural for us to want to praise others; what is natural is to see others as a threat to our own praise. Yet, gentleness grows with faith that God has graciously supplied in Christ; and supply He will. It believes that God has not shortchanged us — nor that He will. He will graciously supply what we need in accordance with His glorious riches in Christ (Philippians 4:19).

Gentleness, then, need not be self-absorbed; rather, it is self-sacrificial like God and His Christ. Galatians 6:1 commands that if we are “spiritual” we “should restore [someone] in a spirit of gentleness.” This is the way of Christ to us; this is the way we are to be with others. Gentleness remembers that we are not treated as our sins deserve as we come before God and come before other people.

When we are true believers in Christ, we cannot help but testify: “How gentle God has been to us in Christ!” May that gentle impact be found in us more and more for the peace of the church and for the praise of God.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that the Lord would provide you with the gentility to restore those who have sinned against you and the humility to rejoice with others whom God has richly blessed.

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa.