Title: Embracing Gentleness and Self-Control
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Week 5 – Day 5 – A Christ Like Life
Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Devotional:
You will often hear me say that when I came out of atheism into a life in Christ through my local church that “I was like a front row forward in a ballet school.” Man in my wild enthusiasm I trashed the place without meaning to do so. I trod on the toes of the saints in the church and made quite an impact.
Looking back at some very cringeworthy moments I now see the benefit of gentleness and self-control. I also see this in the simple tasks of life like driving a car on a freeway. I have had to curb my judgement of others on a daily basis. While I have never been a physically violent person, I am quick with my tongue and can cut people to ribbons. Todays devotional is for me.
In our pursuit of spiritual growth, we are called to bear the fruits of the Spirit, which include gentleness and self-control. Let’s look into these virtues and how they shape our character.
- Gentleness: Reflect on a recent interaction where you demonstrated gentleness towards someone. How did gentleness impact the situation? How can you cultivate a spirit of gentleness in your words and actions, even in challenging circumstances?
- Self-Control: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with self-control. What triggers these struggles, and how do they hinder your spiritual growth? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you develop greater self-control in this area?
- Integration: Explore the relationship between gentleness and self-control. How does exercising self-control enable you to respond with gentleness, even in moments of frustration or anger? How can gentleness and self-control work together to bring about peace and harmony in your relationships?
Remember that “the best way to destroy your enemies is to make them your friends.” General Colin Powell during the first Gulf War.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Papa God, we thank You for the fruit of the Spirit that You desire to cultivate within us. Help us to embrace gentleness, Lord, that we may reflect Your compassion and grace to those around us. Grant us the strength to exercise self-control, surrendering our desires to Your will and following the guidance of Your Spirit. May our lives be a testimony to Your transformative power at work within us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Graham Hood
