Fruits of the Spirit: Gentleness

Fruits of the Spirit — a Dock Line poetry series reflecting on Galatians 5:22–23. Part 8 of 9.

In this series, each poem listens for how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control show up in ordinary life—with the Lord interrupting hurry, worry, and noise to speak a quieter word.

I was busy making plans one day
When God asked me if I’d like to sit down

And breathe

And drop my shoulders

And my worries

And talk for a while.

“Gentleness is the pace at which I move”, He said
“It is how I made the heavens and creation”

It is how I made you

He said, this world has you moving with your feet first

Your words first

Your brain first, but

Your heart longs to move at a speed
Of gentleness,

Of deliberate compassion

For yourself and others

This world has you putting yourself first

Your expectations first

Your desires first, but

Your spirit desires to shine a light
On gentleness

A light that doesn’t include yourself

Or your expectations

Or your desires

For the sake of yourself and others

Explore the series: Love · Joy · Peace · Patience · Kindness · Goodness · Faithfulness · Gentleness · Self-Control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” — Galatians 5:22–23