A “Softness” of the Soul
By Susan Klein
Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
About 25 years ago, I worked with a young woman who left a lasting impression on everyone she met! She was about 19, very pretty with long blond hair, and worked with us over her summer break from college. My first impression of her was as someone who “looked” very sweet and gentle. Looks can be deceiving!By Susan Klein
Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
On her first day, I was in a patient’s room and heard a loud, masculine-sounding voice out in the hall. Not recognizing this unusual voice, I stepped out to see who it was. It was the new girl! Stunned, I just awkwardly gaped at her, not knowing what to say. Accustomed to this response, she explained that when she’d had a tonsillectomy as a child, she spoke too soon after the surgery and it permanently damaged her vocal cords. For years, people had come to assume she was sort of a “tough cookie” judging by the sound of her voice. So, she eventually adopted the tough-guy attitude and began to act accordingly. She spoke with vulgarity, defied all authority, and hung with a rough crowd. She even began to believe that “softness” or “gentleness” could and would never be a part of her character. My heart ached for this young woman who chose to live out the stigma attached to her! She needed the redeeming love of a gentle Savior.
As new creatures in Christ, we are blessed with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. He works in us to smooth out our rough edges and cultivate the fruit of gentleness. That gentleness is the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere(1). It is the softness of a dove, which comes with spiritual maturity and the sanctifying work of Christ in our lives. King Solomon instructs us that a gentle answer turns away wrath; Peter tells us to give a gentle answer; and Jesus Himself encourages us to learn from Him and to find rest for our souls in His humble and gentle spirit (Matthew 11:29). It is a choice we must make: to be rid of our old harsh ways and to clothe ourselves with gentleness.
Just as we pursue a “hard” body by working out, we must pursue a “soft” spirit by working on our inner self.
GOING DEEPER:
1) Do you possess any harsh ways that could use a little softening?
2) Have you swallowed the lie that you are who you are and you cannot change?
FURTHER READING:
1 Timothy 6:11; Ephesians 4:1-3
Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.
(1) The complete Word Study New Testament, Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D., 1991 AMG International, Inc.
