Known By Their Fruit: Gentleness

Matthew 7:16-20: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them".

Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

When we think of the word gentleness, we might picture someone soft-spoken, or even passive. But biblical gentleness is anything but weak, it is power under control, a characteristic of Christ Himself.

The Greek Word for Gentleness

The word translated as gentleness in this passage is the Greek word prautes, which can also mean meekness or humility. However, biblical meekness is not weakness; it is strength that has been surrendered to God. Think of a wild horse that has been tamed, not stripped of its power, but trained to respond to its master’s guidance. In the same way, gentleness means allowing God to shape our responses, actions, and attitudes.

Jesus: The Perfect Example of Gentleness

Jesus described Himself as gentle: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV)

Though He had all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), Jesus did not lord it over others. He didn’t force people to follow Him, nor did He retaliate when He was wronged. Instead, He demonstrated patience with sinners, compassion for the hurting, and grace for those who failed.

One of the most beautiful examples of His gentleness is in John 8, when a woman caught in adultery was brought before Him. Instead of condemning her as the Pharisees expected, Jesus responded with wisdom and kindness, leading her to repentance rather than shame. His gentleness didn’t excuse sin, but it invited transformation.

Applying Gentleness in Our Lives

How do we cultivate this fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives?

1. In Our Words

Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”When we are frustrated, defensive, or hurt, it’s easy to respond harshly. But gentleness calls us to pause, consider our words, and speak with grace. Whether we’e dealing with difficult coworkers, family members, or strangers online, a gentle response can defuse tension and reflect Christ’s love.

2. In Our Actions

Gentleness should shape how we treat others, especially those who are struggling. Colossians 3:12 instructs us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” This means choosing kindness when serving others, correcting with love instead of criticism, and treating people with dignity regardless of their past mistakes.

3. In Our Reactions

Life gives us plenty of opportunities to react harshly - when someone cuts us off in traffic, speaks rudely to us, or disagrees with us. But gentleness challenges us to remain calm, surrender our pride, and respond in a way that honors God. It doesn’t mean we become doormats, but that we handle situations with patience and wisdom instead of aggression.

4. In Our Relationship with God

True gentleness begins with surrendering to God’s will. Just as Jesus submitted to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42), we are called to trust God’s plan over our own. When we humbly yield our desires, frustrations, and fears to Him, He strengthens us to walk in gentleness.

Strength Through the Spirit

Gentleness isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. It is the result of the Holy Spirit working within us, transforming our hearts to reflect Christ. The more we walk in step with Him, the more His gentleness will flow through us—changing how we speak, act, and love others.

Let’s ask God to cultivate this fruit in us so that our lives can be a testimony of His kindness and grace. After all, as Proverbs 16:32 reminds us, “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” True strength is found in gentleness.