ICS Daily Devotions
Let Your Gentleness Be Known

Philippians 4:5a (NKJV) Let your gentleness be known to all men.

We live in a fast-paced society that stresses efficiency and productivity, and in wanting to get the job done, many people have lost their gentleness and may even have sub-consciously hurt other people’s feelings. However, praise the Lord that we have a redeemed personality, and we are able to yield to the Holy Spirit to show forth gentleness to the people around us.

1 Peter 3:4 (NKJV) Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Some strong and successful career women have developed a kind of pride and aggressiveness by striving to be independent of man. Financial independence and success in their career may make them consciously or subconsciously belittle their husbands, and if not careful, this may brood resentment towards their husbands.

The world over-emphasizes outward beauty and achievements, but there is another form of beauty that the world has neglected which is far more attractive than external beauty—the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This person is thoughtful, considerate, kind, gentle and gracious in her ways and her words. Somehow, people are attracted to the inner beauty and graciousness that flow out of this person although she might not be well-dressed or pretty by the world’s standards.

Galatians 6:1(NKJV) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

When the above Scripture talks about those who are spiritual, it is referring to those who are walking in the Spirit. They understand the line of authority where the flesh is not allowed to rule their lives, but their spirit yields to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

We can either be walking in the flesh or the Spirit because there is no middle ground, and we will fall into temptation when we are walking in the flesh because the flesh wants to gratify the self and live independent of God.

This Scripture encourages those who are spiritual—who are able to be patient, gentle, gracious and kind—to journey with those who have fallen with a spirit of gentleness, because it is easy to be harsh and impatient with those who are trying to turn over a new leaf after they have fallen due to a lapse of judgment or impulse. We need to be gentle in teaching people how to grow from being a carnal to a Spirit-filled Christian and living a Spirit-empowered life.

Sermon Series: Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Patience, Kindness, Goodness and Gentleness