Among the
fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5, we find both "active" and
"passive" fruit. Take, for example. the two qualities of gentleness
and meekness. Gentleness is active. It's your sensitivity to the needs
of others evidenced by how you treat them. God the Father and God the
Son are both described as being Shepherds of the flock. Can you think
of a clearer picture of gentleness than that of our Lord sheltering the
weak and frightened lamb close to His heart in the midst of the storm?
David, the shepherd, in Psalm 18:35 tells God, "Thy gentleness has made
me great."
Meekness, on the other hand, is passive. It's your response to how people treat or mistreat you. Jesus, as always, is our perfect example. "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously."
Our Lord was always both gentle and meek--active and passive.
Meekness, on the other hand, is passive. It's your response to how people treat or mistreat you. Jesus, as always, is our perfect example. "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously."
Our Lord was always both gentle and meek--active and passive.
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