Today's Word

Going back to the fruit of the Spirit, there are just 2 characteristics left which are probably the hardest for any human being to achieve without the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit. The first is titled ‘gentleness’. It is essential that we live according to the principles of Christian life that Jesus has laid down and that we seek to encourage others to live according to those same principles. But the chief and guiding principle and indeed first characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is love.

Only if we first concentrate on receiving as much of the love of our Saviour into our hearts and lives as we can hold, can we demonstrate gentleness. This becomes even more important if we have some seniority within the church. Jesus reproved His Disciples when some children appeared to be pestering Him and the Disciples shooed them away. Their motive might have had some justification, but the exercise of that concern did not demonstrate gentleness. Yet after Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down to dwell in them, those same Disciples led the infant church with wisdom and yet gentleness.

If we have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, and we are open to the Spirit’s leading, then we will treat one another with love, and gentleness will manifest itself in our treatment of others. Rage and anger, even if we consider it in some way righteous anger, we must avoid at all costs as it will seriously divide the church and cause dissention. When love and grace combine, the result will be gentleness towards others.

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church