#17 Gentleness

Notes

In this timely message from our "Flesh and Fruit" series on Galatians 5, we explore the often-overlooked fruit of the Spirit: gentleness. Phil unpacks what true biblical gentleness looks like—not cowardice or harsh abrasiveness, but a humble strength that flows from Christ's own gentle heart toward us. Drawing from Scripture's rich imagery of God as shepherd, husband, and high priest, this sermon challenges Kiwi tendencies toward conflict-avoidance while warning against online rage culture. It calls us to receive Christ's gentleness afresh so it can shape our speech, relationships, and daily interactions.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.