Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, I. THE GRACES THEMSELVES. 1. Gentleness has reference to the demeanour of a Christian. Gentleness is not mere polish and politeness. It shows itself in a desire to please others for Christ's sake, because it would please God and commend His gospel. Gentleness has nothing to do with indecision and vacillation, so that it may be turned this way and that without regard to principles. 2. By "goodness" we may understand not only goodness in general ("for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness"), but here especially benevolence and munificence. II. HOW THESE GRACES ARE EXHIBITED. 1. Of gentleness. (1) Gentleness is seen in its perfection in the Lord Jesus Christ. (2) In the exercise of authority. The true grace of power and authority is gentleness. (3) In taking the best view of others' characters. (4) In being considerate to people's feelings. (5) In administering reproof. 2. Of goofiness. (J. Reeve, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,WEB: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, |
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