KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT: GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22 (NLT)
"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. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations."
Ezekiel 36:26–28 (NLT)
My wife and I have recently been watching a lot of nature documentaries. We love it and have been having a blast! Did you know that Dalmatians are born without spots, a newborn kangaroo is the size of a lima bean, and hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward? Fascinating, for sure. This isn't a nature devotional, but one particular fact got my attention: sea otters often hold hands when they sleep so they don't drift apart. You might be saying aww, isn't that adorable. This reminds me of the gentleness of God. Sometimes, He fights for us as a warrior (Exodus 15:3). Other times, He rescues us (Psalm 18:19). But Scripture also makes it clear that He also treats us with gentleness. As David declares, He will carry the lambs in His arms (Isaiah 40:11b NLT). In other words, God often holds us so we don't drift apart.
Gentleness is also a fruit of God's work in our lives. As Paul instructs Timothy, Always be humble and gentle (Ephesians 4:2a NLT). May God's gentleness flow through our lives as we live with humility and express genuine care for others.
This week's devotionals have centered around the Fruit of the Spirit. These are attributes that only become a part of who we are when we yield to the work of God's Spirit.
If you think about it… if we're filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, we'll have all we need so that self-control (the last fruit listed in Galatians 5:23) will come naturally. When we're full of the life of God, we won't need sheer willpower to stop doing things we shouldn't be doing. Rather, we'll be controlled by the same Spirit who has filled us with all we need. How amazing is that!
APPLICATION: Meditate on today's Scriptures. Ask God what He wants you to know and spend time in quiet listening for Him to speak.
PRAYER: God, thank You for giving me a new heart. I say yes to all the ways You want to change me, and I pray for more of the Fruit of the Spirit in my life. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?