Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 

INTRODUCTION:

     What does "Fruit of the Spirit mean?"  Do you ever wonder about the "Fruits of the Spirit" and their meaning? There is a lot of wonderful teachings in these various blessings of the Spirit.  When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the "Holy Spirit" begins the work of changing our sin led lives into "God led" lives.  We are transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Salvation is for anyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus to be saved. (John 3:16).

     Colossians 3:12-13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiveing one another.  (That is the will of God!)

LET'S PRAY Considering one of the Fruits of the Spirit, "GENTLENESS" as we pray for Godly wisdom and knowledge.  Let's pray that the Lord reveal the truth to our hearts.   Richly leading of our lives into a deeper spiritual growth. 

 "GALATIONS 5:22 BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS... "GENTLENESS, (KINDNESS.)" 
I. GOD DESIRES US TO BE KIND AND LOVING (That is the will of
    God!)

     A.  GENTLENESS, (KINDNESS) WHAT IS?
           1.  It's the way we feel and act towards others
           2.  Humility and Humbleness before God
           3.  Putting others before ourselves
           4.  Meekness and Gentleness, Christ like

     B.  GENTLENESS, (KINDNESS) WHAT DOES IT 
          ACCOMPLISH?
          1.  Makes people "feel loved by you"
          2.  Makes people "see Jesus in you"

II. GOD DESIRES US TO HAVE A GENTLE CHRIST LIKE 
      PERSONALITY  (That is the will of God!)

      A.  A Gentle spirit of.... Kindness and love
            1.  Godly love not worldly lust
                 a.  Not inward and selfish
                 b.  Outward toward others 
            2.  The more love we give, the more love we have

      B.  A Gentle spirit of.... Humbleness and Humility (not prideful and 
            proud or boastful)
      C.  A Gentle spirit of.....Being well focused on things of God,  not 
            worldly, envious or jealous
      D.  A Gentle spirit of.....Forgiveness and being quick to over look 
            the sins of others

III. GOD DESIRES US TO HAVE THE MANIFESTATIONS OF A 
       GENTLENESS (That is the will of God!)

      The desire to serve the Lord manifests itself in one's life to serve others.  Jews who accepted Jesus usually were turned away from their families and the body needed to take care of the body.  The early church was a sharing church with food, cloths and housing.  Soon there were so many people that some were being overlooked and set aside.  There were many complaints and so Stephen was chosen as one of the seven men deacons to manage the situation in the early church.  He had full faith, grace, wisdom and a humbleness of spirit yet he was a teacher and leader. 

      Stephen was a good manager and well versed in communication skills.  He could preach with tremendous power and authority!  When confronted in a courtroom, his testimony about the history of Jesus was very convincing.  Stephen had to have known that he was antagonizing the court leading up to his death.  Yet he still spoke out and told the truth even unto death.  These men could not bear to have their various sins revealed.  So in a Christ like way, he asked that their sins be forgiven them as he died a painful death by being stoned. 

      Acts 7:59-60 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.  And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 

       A.  Stephen had a gentle forgiving spirit:
            1.  His loving, kind, gentle spirit in small things prepared him 
                 for a greater jobs.
            2.  His understanding of Jesus and compassion lead to loving 
                 actions toward people.
            3.  His Gentle spirit led him to forgive even thoses who killed 
                  him.

        B.  Stephen had become Christ like
            1.  In thought...his heart and mind were upon the Lord; "receive
                 my spirit."
            2.  In word.......he spoke it with his mouth,"cried with a loud 
                 voice"
            3.  In deed.......he forgave them, 
                 "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." 

       This is what the bible says about Jesus  Christ: Luke 23:33-34  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified hi, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

      While Jesus was dying on the cross for your sins and mine he said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  Who ever wants to be like our Lord and Savior Jesus, has got to be willing to lay their life down for him.  That means putting other people's hurts, sorrows and feelings ahead of your own.  To be Christ like means to be gentle, kind, loving and compassionate like Jesus is.  We all everyone of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God, yet He forgives us our sins unto Salvation.  BEING LIKE JESUS IS HAVING HIS GENTLENESS MANIFESTED IN OUR LIVES.

IV. GOD DESIRES US TO PRACTICE  "USING" THE FRUIT OF 
      THE SPIRIT, GENTLENESS, (KINDNESS) That is the will of 
      God! EPH. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, 
       forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven
       you.

      A.  Spirit filled believers are and act very kind and loving
           1.  They try not to act out with bad attitudes.  Bad attitudes:
                a.  Improperly  using anger
                b.  Improperly using harsh hateful words
      B.  Spirit filled believers are tenderhearted,  reaching out to others.
      C.  Spirit filled believers forgive others with all the gentleness of 
            heart they posses. 
      D.  Spirit filled believers have good attitudes.  Attitudes such as:
            1.  Kindness
            2.  Gentleness
            3.  Having a right heart before God

CONCLUSION: TWO QUESTIONS, "HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE THE LORD AND, DO YOU HAVE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, GENTLENESS (KINDNESS?) If you don't than you better get down and pray for the Lord's Revelation and Salvation in your life. 

     MY LAST QUESTIONS: ARE YOU SAVED? DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE? Don't take that for granted!

     WHERE DO YOU STAND, "ARE YOU GRIEVING OR PLEASING THE LORD BY THE FRUIT OF YOUR SPIRIT?" The bible says we will be know by our fruit! Where is yours? Are you a good witness? Do you have fruit of the Spirit? 

LET'S PRAY AND THANK THE LORD FOR REVEALING THE TRUTH TO OUR HEARTS.

    "The ability to stand and cope with the problems of life, depends upon the spiritual foundation a person has learned to develop.  Following Jesus' teachings throughout one's lifetime helps builds a solid foundation to have Gentleness!"

KJV BIBLE VERSES
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