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

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
—Philippians 4:5

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
—Galatians 6:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
—Proverbs 15:1

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Fruit: Gentleness
By Jennifer Kane

Gentleness walks where harshness treads,
It speaks with care, where anger spreads.
A tender strength, a steady hand,
That lifts the weak, that helps them stand.

It does not crush the bruisèd reed,
Nor quench the flame in time of need.
It stoops to serve, yet stands for right,
It guides the heart with Spirit’s light.

A gentle word can turn away
The fiercest wrath, the storm’s dismay.
It heals the wound, it calms the soul,
It leads the broken to be whole.

Our Savior, meek and low of heart,
Bids us to come and take His part.
In Him is rest, in Him we find
A love both strong and softly kind.

It moves with patience, clothed in grace,
It meets the sinner face to face.
It seeks to mend, not to condemn,
Restoring all who turn to Him.

So let this fruit grow sure and true,
In all you say, in all you do.
For gentleness, in Christ displayed,
Will show the world the way He prayed.

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Scripture: Matthew 11:29, Philippians 4:5, Galatians 6:1, Proverbs 15:1

In our world, strength often gets confused with dominance or force. But Jesus shows us a different way. He invites us to take His yoke—to walk in step with Him—and learn His way of gentleness. This gentleness is not weakness, but power under perfect control, guided by love.

The Greek word for “gentle” here is praus, which describes a spirit that is calm, humble, and self-controlled, even in the face of provocation. Jesus had infinite authority, yet He approached people with tenderness—lifting the broken, protecting the vulnerable, and correcting the wandering with patience.

Gentleness reflects God’s heart. Paul writes that when we are gentle, we make God’s nearness visible.

Gentleness also has the power to restore. Harshness may push people away, but gentleness draws them toward healing and truth.

In a culture quick to speak and slow to listen, gentleness is a radical act. It takes strength to respond softly, to listen before reacting, and to extend grace where judgment might feel more natural.

When we walk in gentleness, we walk in the way of Christ. His gentleness doesn’t make Him less mighty—it reveals the depth of His love and the safety of His presence. And as we learn from Him, we too can offer that kind of rest to weary souls around us.

How has Jesus shown gentleness to you personally?
Where in your life do you need to let gentleness guide your words or actions?
How might gentleness become a visible testimony of God’s love in your relationships?

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Lord Jesus, thank You for being gentle and humble in heart. Teach me to walk in Your way, showing strength through love and patience. Let my gentleness reflect Your nearness, bringing rest to those who are weary and pointing them to You. Fill my words and actions with grace, so that others see Your heart in me. Amen.

August 15 2025