What is the Fruit?
Galatians 5:22-23 are verses that divulge nine components of the Fruit of the Spirit that all professing Christians should bear. Often when we discuss the Fruit of the Spirit, we separate each component and examine them individually. This causes us to assume that we may be able to demonstrate one and not the others. Truthfully, up until the moment I began preparing this blog, I thought the same. But there is a reason why some ministers are careful to remind us that it is not Fruits but Fruit. It is one fruit and therefore by being able to demonstrate one component, we are inadvertently able to demonstrate all. The Fruit of the Spirit is used to describe a mindset that allows a Christian to display Christlike characteristics.
Components of the Fruit
Think of this Spiritual Fruit as you would think of a Jackfruit or a bunch of Grapes. A jackfruit is a thick foodie and sweet tropical fruit with hundreds of small fleshy pegs that encase a long oval seed. The seeds are also edible when roasted. From this description, we’ve been able to identify several parts of the fruit, namely, the many seeds and the pegs. The Fruit of the Spirit is similar. It is one whole fruit comprising nine pegs—attributes. If you are more familiar with grapes then think of it as a bunch of grapes. There is one step that connects several small fruits.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control; against such things, there is no law.
Matthew 7:16 says, “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?” This is one of the reasons why it should be easier to identify whether an individual is demonstrating the component of kindness through the spiritual fruit or is just a kind individual. What is interesting is that the embodiment of these fruits may not reveal itself in the same way for everyone.
Gentleness
Gentleness is one of the nine components and according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to be gentle is to be free from harshness, sternness or violence. What does it mean to have a gentle approach and disposition? When should we have such a thing?
Simply put, we should be gentle in everything that we do, but it does not mean we should not take action against unrighteousness. The purpose of the words of God’s scriptures is to teach us, therefore let us examine the actions of God and his people throughout it. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Provides, the book of wisdom, informs us that the approach that is best suited for a follower of a peace-loving God is that of gentleness. In other words, we must always be humble first rather we MUST be slow to anger as our minds remain clear and we are better able to respond in a way that is not self-serving.
When to be Gentle
1 Corinthians 4:21, Paul says, “What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?” In this scripture, we see Paul ask the question, ‘What do you desire?’ Suggesting that responding with gentleness is not always going to be enough to resolve situations. Therefore, is there an appropriate time to be gentle? Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” This scripture puts into perspective that God is just and though he deals with us with gentleness, there are times when the situation calls for a “harsh” response.
In the stories of David, many persons were killed and David himself received punishment according to his actions under God’s order. Jesus was certainly not gentle with the Devil in the wilderness and when the children of Israel angered God with their transgressions they were punished. However, there is something to note in every instance before the “harsh” treatment meted out to certain characters. There was always a gentle approach first or a gentle warning.
Saul and David
One of the stories of David was about Saul’s pursuit of David’s life. Note that in 1 Samuel 18:7, the women sang and said, “Saul has slain his thousand and David his ten thousands.” Suggesting that David was a great war general, greater than the king with more respect than the King. One would think it would not be hard for him to kill his enemy after feeling so betrayed by him. Yet, he hid and ran no matter how close he was to responding to Saul with the same evil he showed him. However, David’s humility and meekness caused him to turn the other cheek. Eventually, Saul met his end on the battlefield, a death that was disgraceful for a King.
Jesus and the Devil
Even when Jesus was tempted by the Devil in Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus’s initial responses reflected his stern faithfulness to God but meekness. In verse 4 of the same chapter, he said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” However, by the time we get to verse 10, the first part of his response is, “Go away Satan!” suggesting an end to the gentle responses and a need for more force to drive out this adversary.
The Position of Gentleness
Gentleness then is essential in our approach to all things—it should be our first response and one that should invite others to take heed. It will give them the will to take heed and build confidence in the one who offers this gentleness to them, essentially leading them to their gentle God. So says, Galatians 6:1, “Brothers and sisters even if a person is caught in any wrong-doing, you who are spiritual, are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you are not tempted as well.”
In conclusion, gentleness is a component of the fruit of the spirit that allows us to show the love that we have for God and his people. It leads to us being able to have patience and self-control among other Spiritual Fruit pegs. It should be our first response to every situation as it can resolve a conflict before it morphs into something that can quickly get out of control.
