Outline – Topic- GENTLENESS AND GOODNESS – 21DAYS FFF DAY13

FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE    Jan.22 – Feb 11. 2024 (Day 13) Theme: JUMPING IN THE JOY OF JUBILEE  Texts: Ps. 4:3-8; 32:11; 126:1-6 Sub-Texts: 2 Tim. 2;24-26; Eph. 5:1-9 Click here to download the outline 👉 2024 JAN-FEB FFFP DAY 13 CONNECT LIVE zoom.wccrmlagos.org facebook.com/wccrmlagos youtube.com/c/WCCRMLAGOS t.me/WCCRMLAGOS live.wccrmlagos.org   The two virtues we are treating are not well understood by many, therefore not appreciated and as a result not sought after. But the Lord would have His people know them, search for them and allow the Holy Spirit nurture them in their lives.   The apostle wrote to Timothy informing him that a servant of God must not strive but be gentle; and the Ephesians he enjoined to walk as children of light and mentioned that the product of the Spirit consists in every form of kindly goodness (Amplified).   Today, we shall be looking at the virtues individually.   Gentleness    The Greek word translated gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit is Chrēstŏtēs (pronounced khray-stol’-ace) which was also translated kindness (4x), goodness (4x), good (1x) and gentleness (1x). It is a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct (Tit. 3:1-3; Jas. 3:17). The word does not refer to a virtue that encompasses only to a person’s words and countenance; it refers to the virtue that pervades and penetrates the whole nature mellowing anything harsh and austere. It is a virtue that is gentle, charming and calm, suited to the company of all good people, attracting their friendship, delightful in encouragement and moderate in manners.    In a sense, it depicts the goodness of the heart (Rom. 3:12; 11:22). However, it signifies not merely goodness in quality but rather goodness in action; goodness expressing itself in deeds. Yet, not goodness expressing itself in indignation against sin for it is contrasted with severity in Rom. 11:22, but in grace and tenderness and compassion.   It was translated kindness in Eph. 2:7; Tit. 3:4; 2 Cor. 6:6; Col. 3:12. Can we call it kindness with a permeating charm? The Lord Jesus was the epitome of gentleness (Isa. 42:3; Matt. 12:18-20).   Goodness   The Greek word is agathosune which means uprightness of heart and life.    Goodness is a prominent character of God (Exo. 33:19; 34:6). It has to do with excellence in moral behavior and has room for severity/chastisement where pain is inflicted for the good of the erring or for the sake of justice (Heb. 12:7,8; Rom. 2:4; 11:22). It is a state of being Godlike in life and conduct, manifesting kindness, generosity, benevolence with the disposition of severity (Matt. 5:44-48).   The Holy Spirit develops these qualities in the believer by exposing him to conditions that will call for caution, thoughtfulness and control of temper (Phil. 2:13).    There may be some leading into spiritual exercises that mellow the austere nature of the believer (cons.2 Cor. 10:10; Gal. 1:13-17).   However, the disciple must take challenges from the Scriptures and from the excellence of neighbours who have outstanding qualities to do the needful:

• Praying-in Scriptures (cp. Gal. 4:19).
• Consciously inclining to a life of gentleness and goodness in word and action (Matt. 5:44-48).

The 2 qualities make a believer great before God and man.