Summer Fruit, Week 8: Gentleness

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT) Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:19-25 (NLT) God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 (NLT)  Gentleness is not a passive weakness… but a strength of character to act with humility.   Gentleness is ultimately about how sensitive and responsive our heart is to God.   And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT) The movement of God Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT) You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT) For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT) Remember what it says: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled." Hebrews 3:12-15 (NLT) There are few things more tragic than a child of God, missing out on the movement of God. … Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39 (NIV) Jesus didn't show up on the scene pointing out everyone who was wrong… He showed up in a spirit confident gentleness simply showing people what was right. The needs of others Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT)  Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT) Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT) You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Gentleness in out life looks like a genuine love for humanity. The world around you We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) Having a gentle and responsive heart does not mean you respond how you want or feel, but what the situation needs most. Godly confidence will always create human tenderness. Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Come to JESUS. Only JESUS can perform the supernatural miracle of transforming your heart. Admit and surrender YOUR burdens. When we carry burdens, God is not fully in control. Pick up HIS burden. If you feel your heart getting hard and unresponsive… get to the feet of Jesus and learn to love people the way He loves you.