“…but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious”         (1 Peter 3:3-4).

As he was about to leave the disciples Jesus emphasized to them to wait upon the Holy Spirit. “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about” ( Acts 1:4). The Holy Spirit was to be their companion. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” ( John 14:26).

Upon recepit the Holy Spirit enabled Believers share the Gospel bringing along certain characteristics, one of which is gentleness. Writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul elaborated. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” ( Galatians 5: 22-23).

It is important here to reflect on the aspect of gentleness. Much as the disciples were to wade into enemy territory with the message of salvation, Christ warned, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” ( Mathew 10:14). Hence to the amazement of many the Christian faith grew being shared by meek followers of Christ, long before it was infilitrated with impostors intent on using force for conversions through crusades.

But the Holy Spirit is of a gente nature. This is why when we sin, his ways is to bring inner conviction, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” ( Acts 16:13).

The aspect of gentleness cant be overstated. As Believers it is quite clear never to use force or a particular type of militancy to win others over, because that is not the nature of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, through the power of the Holy Spirit you have given us the fruit of gentleness, to enable us carry out your work, and so help me reflect that gentleness in all I do, this I pray in Jesus’s name!