January Devotions

Learning Gentleness

How would you define gentleness?

In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul writes:

“The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this.”

The Greek word Paul uses carries deep spiritual meaning. It refers to meeting real needs in God’s way, in His timing, and in His manner.

Spiritual gentleness is a strength under control—a combination of kindness, patience, and compassion toward others, rooted in humble submission to God. It is often misunderstood as weakness, but true gentleness is the power to act, tempered by the choice to respond with empathy, forgiveness, and a calm spirit—even when provoked.

In Christian tradition, gentleness is more than a virtue; it transforms relationships and reflects the love of God to a watching world.

Yet for many of us, gentleness is a tough lesson to learn. By our nature, we often lean toward self-assertion, impatience, or quick reactions. That is why we need the Holy Spirit to cultivate this fruit in our lives, shaping our hearts and our actions.

A pastor once told the story of a teacher in a very challenging classroom. One day, a student shouted, threw a book, and stormed out. Many would have reacted with anger or frustration, but the teacher remained calm. Later, the student returned quietly, and the teacher greeted him with warmth and patience. That single act of gentleness—a calm response in the face of provocation—changed the tone of the classroom and the student’s behaviour.

Gentleness doesn’t mean the teacher lacked power or authority. She had the authority to punish or react sharply. But she chose a response that reflected love, patience, and restraint. In the same way, God calls us to gentleness: strength under control, choosing to reflect His heart even in difficult situations.

Lord God,
Thank You that Your Spirit produces the fruit of gentleness in our lives.
Forgive us when we respond with harshness, impatience, or pride.

Teach us to meet the needs of others in Your way, in Your timing, and in Your manner.
Help us to harness our strength under Your guidance, choosing empathy, patience, and calm even when challenged.

Transform our relationships, Lord, so that our words and actions reflect Your love.
May we be instruments of peace and kindness, gentle as You are gentle.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Practice: One gentle response where you’d usually hurry.