“Abiding in the Vine”
Christ being the vine, we are the branches see John 15:1-16.
One of the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. “But the fruit of the Spitit is is love, joy, peace, gentleness…”
Gentleness or being gentle has become a lonely word in our current intolerant society. Anger and rudeness, lack of patience have become the ‘accepted norm’. “A soft (gentle answer turns away wrath”.
If I don’t get my way then tough #@*!. People get upset when we don’t fall into somebody’s manipulative trap to argue with them. I remember an old saying, ‘kill them with kindness’.
We all have lost our cool or patience at times and can regret how we reacted. I’ve seen people in restaurants where patrons demand service, or people cut in a long line such as the airport, or a sporting event, or concert. People being rude over there own views of politics or religion. People who were much better off who take advantage of the poor who may be waiting in line for a meal or even shelter. The covid days showed some true colors and motives with people. It was all about me, myself, and I.
Yes, we are all human and have emotions and there are times that we cannot control our emotions and we snap back talking and barking because we are so frustrated. We may get our way, but it sure tells us a lot about our character. This is where the work of the Holy Spirit come into focus. Jesus said, ‘Apart from ME you can do nothing’. Without Christ as the true vine, there is no fruit! We need the Lord’s help and grace for these branches to become more fruitful!
Gentleness, patience, and kindness are part of the vineyard that is a work of the Holy Spirit or fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23).
Even in difficult times and severe losses we show our true colors. Gentleness is being considerate toward others. Jesus did not retaliate when he was arrested in the garden, but Peter was angry enough to cut the soldiers ear off. Jesus picked up the ear off the ground and healed the soldier as he was being arrested.
If I want to become more fruitful then I need to ‘die to the flesh’ and to my old selfish ways. The Lord encourages us to spend time with Him in prayer and reading the Word of God. It’s in these times our branches get pruned if we allow the Holy Spirit’s work to purge us and become what God and others desire us to be.
Remember, it’s not about me bettering myself, but it’s more important that God is glorified in our life!
“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 NIV
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”.
1 Peter 3:4 NIV
May we continue to keep striving to be like Jesus and be kind and gentle.
Continuing to pray for many experiencing the loss grief. And heartache of the southern California fires. Praying these fires will go out and all the displaced will find food and shelter.🙏
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Thank you for this, Andy! It struck me just at the right time. ❤