Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Gentleness

Gentleness is something I have been working on for the last 6 months, in fact gentleness is really not one of my more dominant characteristics!  I have been told I am a little like "a bull in a china shop", that "I go where angels fear to tread" and let's not even mention the word "stubborn"!  Even though my middle name is Ann which means grace, I still lack grace, mercy and gentleness.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit - one of the ones towards the end that we easily forget!  Love, joy, peace, those ones roll off my tongue very quickly but gentleness....... self-control......  I tend to forget those ones!  Gentleness is something that comes from abiding in Christ, letting the Holy Spirit have control.  It is something that only the Holy Spirit can produce - for that I am so thankful, for if I tried to attain it by my own efforts my sarcasm and irritation would rise to the surface.  My desire for my own way would always win!!!

Phil 4:5 says "Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near."  I have always wanted to be classified as a 'strong, independent woman' and in many ways I am.  I never considered the fact that a strong woman can also be gentle.  She can choose to deal with her family, her friends, people that she encounters, gently - simply because she can!  Not letting anger, harsh words and discontent rise up but having control over her emotions as THAT is what makes her strong!  It's so easy to lash out, pout, tell that person off - after all "they deserve it....."   Self-control - that requires strength.  Gentleness - that requires strength.  I found it so interesting to consider all those gentle, loving women in my life and realised that they are the strong ones!