Gentleness…
Gentleness provides a contrast to pride and power. Humility and lowliness are critical components of this fruit.
The other-directed nature of gentleness stands in opposition to those who foster aggression, self-promotion, and who desire positions of power.
We cultivate gentleness by altering our posture through prayer, learning to yield, and spending time with those of “no account.”
Praying for those who wrong or anger us increases the difficulty of speaking harshly to or about them.
Humility demonstrates the power to yield our will to others.
Extending hospitality to those without a worldly status or position of power also demonstrates gentleness.