Galatians 5:23
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Truth to Learn
The fruit of the Spirit is gratifying as long as we recognize that the source is God.
Behind the Words
The word translated “gentleness” is one of the more interesting words we have looked at lately. It is translated from the Greek word praotēs, which is derived from the adjective praos, meaning “meekness, mildness, or forbearance.” Here is what The Complete Word Study Dictionary says about this word:
Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him. However, praótēs encompasses expressing wrath toward the sin of man as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus … This meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men. It is not the result of weakness … According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue that stands between two extremes, the orgilótēs, uncontrolled and unjustified anger, and aorgisía, not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you.
“Self-control” is translated from engkrateia, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of kratos, meaning “power.” Hence, it refers to keeping power in control or, as it is translated here, self-control.
Meaning Explained
Paul finishes up his list of the fruit of the Spirit with two that we seldom hear about today. In years past it was appropriate to refer to a man who had his desires under control as a “gentleman.” It’s a word seldom heard today because few people (men or women) exhibit this characteristic, and because those who conduct their lives in a gentle manner are often seen as wimps. Being at peace with God and following the leading of His Spirit, however, produces a calm confidence that is the result of a gentle spirit.
Like gentleness, self-control is seen by the world today as a waste of time and effort. With the world throwing off the restraints of godly living and self-control, someone with these qualities is seen as weak and spineless, but that’s not how God sees them. The ability to control ones passions and appetites is a rare commodity today because fewer and fewer people are willing to submit their will to that of our Heavenly Father.
When we are completely submitted, however, and actively seeking and following His leading, there is no law that condemns us because we exhibit the qualities of righteousness. The danger, however, is that we will become proud of ourselves and allow our sin nature to grab the steering wheel from our Father’s hands. That’s when we stumble and fall.
Application
Any Christian who has experienced a close fellowship with God has known the fruit of the Spirit as Paul has described it here. But such a person also knows how tenuous this position is because of the powerful, ungodly effect of our sin nature.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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