“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5
You won’t find the words “IndyCar race” and “gentle” often in the same paragraph together, but it seems fitting for the outcome of the race at Phoenix Raceway. Filled with passing, speed, excitement, and precision, Josef Newgarden prevailed over Christian Rasmussen, who had dominated the day. Rasmussen led for an extended amount of time, but two incidents that left his car banged up a bit cost him the race. His car could not hang on once it was caught up in traffic and after the tires had gone away. However, Josef Newgarden made a late-race charge to the front, gliding through the field on fresher tires with speed and precision, not touching anyone as he passed them. In the end, Josef’s gentle but fierce charge led him to first place, while Rasmussen ended the day 14th.
As we run life’s race, the New Testament tells us that we should be gentle as Christians, and it also tells us to be on guard against the devil, and to run our race with perseverance. How can we be gentle while running life’s race, which is filled with obstacles that can hinder our walk with God? Life’s circumstances, frustrations, shortcomings, disappointments, and even (or especially) other people can lead us to act not so gently towards others as we navigate this race. What does the Bible mean when it tells us to be gentle as Christians?
In the New Testament, Paul uses two different words that are translated as “gentleness.” “Praus,” is a Greek word that means “gentleness of spirit or disposition,” and is also translated throughout the New Testament as meekness or humility. This is used in describing gentleness as a fruit of having the Holy Spirit living within you. Another word Paul uses in the Greek is “epiekes,” which means “submissive, reasonable, and patient.” So, as we go throughout our lives as Christians, we should interact with others humbly and reasonably. Just as Josef Newgarden was reasonable with his car as he worked through the field in the race, we can be reasonable and patient with others as we go through life. This is one way to show the fruit of God’s work in our lives through the Holy Spirit. While it may be easy to grow impatient and make a rash decision, action, or remark, being gentle in situations and interactions shows wisdom and has long-lasting favorable effects. For Newgarden, it led to a race win and the championship lead, while Rasmussen’s impatient driving style led to heartbreak. When we walk through life with gentleness, we will see the effects of that on ourselves and others. We will have a much calmer life, with less disagreement, better relationships with others, and a powerful testimony of God working in our lives.
Would you describe yourself as having a gentle spirit? What specific areas of your life or interactions with others could use a more gentle approach? How would your life change if you asked God to give you gentleness?
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